Personalization is a word I use a lot and it is the best summation of what I see as the "grand vision" for learning and performance. I'm constantly finding more and more examples of just how pervasive personalization is becoming in our world.
My recent visit to Guayaquil, Equador showed me yet another example in the form of personalized distribution of taxes—of all things! In this photograph, which I took on my brief walk along the riverfront "Malecón," is a set of individual sheets of thick clear glass framed in stainless steel and each measuring about 1.5 meters by 3 meters tall (about 4 ft. x 10 ft. for you measurement challenged Americans! :-) )
As you can see, each glass panel is edge-lit to create a striking visual sculpture. What you can't see in the first photo is that each plate is engraved with hundreds of thousands of names of the individuals who have essentially "paid" for the very expensive riverfront renovation. Here's how it works: each citizen is allowed to direct up to 25% of their personal income taxes toward any number of projects. This is, IMHO, just brilliant!
What you are seeing is a dedication to each and every person who chose to direct some percentage of their income taxes to creating this Malecón river walk. Contrast this with the much more complex, often corrupt, and largely unknown process of most other countries. This same mechanism works for corporate or business taxes. For example, the University where I gave a recent keynote address is able to set up mutually beneficial projects with businesses. As part of the agreement, the business will direct a percentage of its taxes to the university.
For me, this is a wonderful confirmation that the dream of mass personalization of our world is being realized and delivering unexpected results everywhere and for everyone.
Till next time,
w
a
yne
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