Oh really, so Cigarettes are Healthy for You?
Happy Thursday,
"NOW...Scientific Evidence on the Effects of Smoking"
That's the headline for an Ad, 60 years ago, claiming that cigarettes had positive effects on our health...
I'm writing these words from an eco-farm, while I sip my coffee and wrap up a new experience. As I reflect on the past couple of months, there is one thought that keeps coming to mind: What are the right things we are doing today, that time will prove us wrong?
The goal of today's newsletter is to stir the pot and approach topics I believe our grandkids will confront us about. I'll add an entrepreneurial take to each as I think there are companies we can start or support to address these issues.
I'll give you 5, and hope to hear your 5 soon.
Thought of the day:
“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.”
― Michael Jordan
TOP FIVE
1- Energy / "Why did you burn so much fuel for energy?" Especially tricky to answer when nuclear power and other alternatives have been around for so long. Tesla turned a profit again, so it seems like we are moving in the right direction. But there are many others doing big things. TerraPower changing the nuclear game and Solfácil enabling credit for solar. Maybe for our grandkids having solar panels will be as ubiquitous as having a heater at home.
2- Protein / "Why did you eat so much animal protein?" I envision a personalized shopping experience based on our individual health goals and microbiome. But before we get there, there's a two point debate when it comes to protein consumption. We're clearly eating too much protein and the animal protein supply chain is ridiculously bad for the planet. Neal Barnard goes beyond in his TED Talk. But I also invite you to watch Zac Efron's Down to Earth on Netflix. It covers many topics and flips the way we look at nature.
3- Healthcare / "Why did you guys pay so much for healthcare? You didn't even know what the cost of a procedure was until you had it done!" Ok, I get it, healthcare is too expensive in the US. I've studied the subject, and I'm still puzzled by the unnecessary complexity. Iora Health, is an example of switching the model and Healthcare Bluebook is a way to gauge how much you will pay for a procedure beforehand.
4- Prisons / "Why did you lock up people like animals?" Systemic racism is exalted by mass incarceration. That's an issue that only society has the power to solve. That takes reform, social education, and a change on commercial incentives. Our kids will definitely school us on it. But what about the actual prisons? We have literally been putting people in cages, focusing on punishment and not rehabilitation. Here's an example of how a prison could look like (critical 4 minute video) and the evolution of prison design. If we can take prisoners and reinsert them into society, rehabilitated and able to participate in their communities (vote), I think we would be much better off.
5-Mental Health/ "Why did people only talk about mental health after someone had a crisis?" In the United States 47% of individuals will suffer from mental illness at some point in their lives. If that's the case why aren't we teaching children how to channel their emotions, identify mental illness, and what to do when it arises. There are a couple startups working on bringing down the stigma, from Snapchat meditation to Michael Phelp's partnership with Talkspace or full programs like Meru. Kim K, J Balvin, Zac Efron, and Justin Bieber are some of the allies pushing hard for a change.
Bonus - "Grandad what do you mean by throwing stuff 'away'?" I imagine a world where we are ok with managing each type of waste category individually. Look at this incredible Town in Japan.
This list could go way longer (from online voting and LBGTQ rights to learning Chinese in school, to lab-grown diamonds, eSports, co-housing, to hyperlocal economies and global credit). The goal is not to be right, but to start conversations that can truly change the world for the better. So, what do you think are the 5 things your grandkids will confront you about?
EVENTS
NGS@Home
Next Gen Summit is taking place at home this time. It opens the door to entrepreneurs to connect online for the most relevant young entrepreneurs initiative. Check it out here.
THE SCOOP
Remember, if sharing a gig or looking for one, check out The Scoop.
Medable
Medable is hiring a Project Coordinator and other roles. Ping me if you think you me be a fit for an intro.
See you next week,
Gabe
