Gandhi's Seven Blunders to Avoid: in 2010

As the decade of the “noughties” winds to a close, it’s time to think positive! It is 2010! Let us not forget the mistakes we made in 2009 (and before), but let’s also not wallow in regret! Let’s focus instead on consciously avoiding the blunders that created the crises of the past ten years.

Shortly before he was assassinated, the great spiritual and political leader, Mahatma Gandhi, compiled a list of the “Seven Blunders of the World” which are particularly relevant as we enter a new decade. If we avoid these blunders, we will enjoy a better result, Gandhi advocated. Each of the Seven gives us food for thought:

1. Wealth without work
2. Pleasure without conscience
3. Knowledge without character
4. Commerce without morality
5. Science without humanity
6. Worship without sacrifice
7. Politics without principle

As a communicator (and a human being), I care about all seven blunders. It strikes me that a corporation, for example, would do well to examine its corporate values with special reference to items #1, 3, 4, 5 and 7.

Fortunately, in our great country, we have a choice of how we approach our relationships in business and personally. The standards Gandhi has set provide an excellent foundation for the beginning of any new year!

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