A compass is there to give direction. In the context of this post, compass, to an extent, includes the why. Heretics may have different causes and means but their compass is the same. The things that guide heretics are universal. Here are some of the points on the heretics’ compass:
image by mwcarruthers | (cc)
Status Quo
This may seem contrary, but it is not. A heretic leader uses the status quo as a compass. When common practice is not one of constantly shattering the status quo mediocrity prevail. Excellence soon becomes foreign. Maintaining the status quo means there is no growth. Thus the status quo is compass in that the heretic knows it is time to move and change when everything stays the same too long.
Innovation is not necessarily born in a natural development for its need but created by heretics.
Heretics are inherently innovative. Innovation results when the best that we have ever attained is treated as nothing but momentary. In time, ‘best’ soon becomes normal. Your best has an expiry date on it. Heretics who believe there is always greater.
Cause
Heretics do not lead rebellions against the status quo like rebels without a cause. They are driven by a deep-seated conviction for their cause. Without being arrested by your cause your impact will be nominal and change treated as optional instead of a necessity. When heretics are truly consumed with changing the world no challenge can stand in their way. Conviction is necessary for savage resolve, which deals with any and all obstacles as ‘those things’ that must be annihilated on the way to a greater future. The cause, not circumstances dictate progress and passion.
Conviction is necessary for savage resolve, which deals with any and all obstacles as ‘those things’ that must be annihilated on the way to a greater future
Those that will change the world are those who do not wallow in why something cannot be done but why it must be done. The world will never be changed on excuses. Excuses do not fuel passion or enable the cause. They must never be allowed to become the norm. Every heretic deals with his (own) excuses with no grace whatsoever: ruthlessly. Excuses have never change the world for greater. The cause is always central. The cause is one of the compass points that keep the heretic anchored.
Your thoughts? Speak up, HERETICS.
Check out part 2 of The Heretics’ Compass here