| Synopsis: |
I have seized on the metaphor of the boat in the whirlpool to emphasise the point that the chaos into which we are moving is a natural thing, far more natural than linear stability and order. We ride the whirlpool in many forms in nature, and we evolve personally and socially to do so. Clearly there are winners and victims in this process, and I have tried to explain what I believe to be the characteristics of winning creatures and winning organisations. I think it is safe to say that humans are social animals, and they have become that to master their environment. New organisations and relationships will continue to evolve, in business, in government and in the military if it remains necessary, but the only ones that will be successful will be the ones that unleash the creative genius of their people. This is the essence of modern leadership. In his distinguished career, culminating as Governor of Western Australia, Lieutenant General John Sanderson has had the opportunity to speak to many different groups, from local communities to professional bodies and international delegations, covering a vast spectrum of topics.Despite their sometimes apparent disparity, his addresses are connected by a number of themes critical to our times. The 40 speeches chosen here examine issues crucial to the unique and fast-developing State of Western Australia and to the Australian nation as a whole. They also take a broader look at the complex problems of today's modern world, and at how individuals, communities and nations might respond to these developments for the betterment of a progressive and sustainable society, always maintaining as paramount the need for the pursuit of the fundamental aspects of human rights and justice. As well as forming part of an important personal and historical record, each of the speeches in this book highlights a range of questions that impact profoundly on all of us and the fact that, in these rapidly changing times, the preservation of our democracy demands that we are open-minded in the effort to understand the complexity of what is taking place. Therein lies the possibility of shared vision that embraces and unifies all elements of our community in the building of an inclusive and creative society that can reach out as a beacon to the world and its people. |