What Is My Dangerous Idea

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Added: Tue. Mar 02, 2010 12:37pm

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People will accept your ideas much more readily if you tell them Benjamin Franklin said it first.
            ~David H. Comins

What Is Your Dangerous Idea?

What do you believe but cannot prove? What is your dangerous idea? What are you optimistic about?

These intriguing questions are the subjects of books whose author, John Brockman, challenges our thinking about almost everything. His books are titled What We Believe but Cannot Prove, What Is Your Dangerous Idea? and What Are You Optimistic About?

Each of these books is a collection of essays from some of the smartest people on the planet. When exposed to the innovative thinking in the essays, I have to remind myself that ideas once considered radical, even heretical, in one century are widely accepted in the next. If nothing else, reading the essays stretches my imagination. Once stretched, my imagination cannot go back to its former size.

So what’s my dangerous idea?

My dangerous idea is that just as obesity is contagious, so is getting and staying fit. Becoming fit can be a fun-filled, lifelong adventure.

I cannot prove this idea, although I can offer evidence in support of it. When I chronicled my own weight loss and fitness efforts and told the stories of others who had undertaken similar efforts, residents in our small community took notice.

When I issued an invitation in the local newspaper to join a weight-loss program, over 1,000 people showed up. Each week attendance grew until we had over 200 teams. We lost nearly four tons in eight weeks. From my perspective, that phenomenon demonstrated the truth of this dangerous idea.

Our local experiment triggered the next question. Can this dangerous idea be replicated in a virtual community such as the one I am building with AARP? I am optimistic that it can be.

According to an article by Michael Shermer in the September 2007 issue of Scientific American, several elements are needed for a movement or an idea to gain acceptance:

1.    The idea takes a stand for something, not against something, and is based on a positive assertion.
2.    The idea uses an intelligent, rational approach to tackle myths and raises consciousness and awareness.
3.    The idea embraces the uniqueness of self and others, and it requires us to respect each other.
4.    The idea encourages exploration, experimentation and a sense of adventure.

If I look at my dangerous idea for these characteristics, I think it passes the test.

I am not arguing against obesity; rather, I am proposing that family and friends engage in a playful pursuit of fitness. I assert that getting fit can be fun, educational and enjoyable. This positive assertion challenges the myth that losing weight involves dieting, deprivation and boring, highly disciplined exercise. It also challenges the myth that weight is always regained.

In addition, individuals are encouraged to find ways to eat and exercise that work for their lifestyle, age, body and fitness goals. Exploring different foods, experimenting with different exercises and adopting new, healthful habits are essential elements of becoming more fit.

Will my dangerous idea take hold? I don’t know. What I do know is that I’m having lots of fun promoting fitness. And if you’re reading this blog, there’s a good chance you’ve already adopted this dangerous idea and, like me, you’re spreading the good word. I hope so.

Oh, and by the way, I need to give credit where credit is due. Benjamin Franklin said this first.