The Hour of the Bully ' The Century of the Visionary

By James O’Dea

The Bully is quintessentially short-sighted... will punish if not appeased... will always self-justify... will never concede or compromise... will view dialogue as weak and ‘winning’ arguments as strength... immediate victory is used to cash in instant rewards... truth is whatever keeps you on top... whoever does not side with you is an enemy to be squashed... threats are the foundation of dominance... and if the Bully feels challenged or threatened, any means to bring down hell on others will be used, even if that means self-destruction.

The Visionary looks ahead to the highest goal that will serve the greatest number and do the greatest good... is not concerned with winning personal adulation or approval... is deeply committed to building collaboration... knows that dialogue is essential so all sides can be fully heard... is responsive to better ideas... is flexible but doesn’t sell out... knows how to inspire the best in people... stimulates a culture of idealism... elevates true morality... respects and thrives on diversity... and works diligently for long-term collective success.

Even during the Hour of the Bully, the Visionary is setting sights on mobilizing the longed-for future.
 

James O’Dea is author of a number of acclaimed works, including:

Soul Awakening Practice: Prayer, Contemplation & Action

The Conscious Activist: Where Activism Meets Mysticism

Cultivating Peace: Becoming a 21st-Century Peace Ambassador

James is a former President of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, Washington office director of Amnesty International, and CEO of the Seva Foundation He worked with the Middle East Council of Churches in Beirut during a time of war and massacre, and lived in Turkey for five years during civil upheaval and coup d’etat. He has taught peacebuilding to over a thousand students in 30 countries with the Shift Network. He has also conducted frontline social healing dialogues around the world. He is a member of The Evolutionary Leaders group and on the Advisory Board of The Peace Alliance and Kosmos Journal. James also mentors emerging leaders. Click here to visit James’ website.