49 The Great Placebo

Some people are blessed with many friends: friends from their school, friends from their church, friends from the grocery store. Others have many acquaintances but only a few true friends. I fall into the latter group. It wouldn’t take all the fingers on one hand to count those friendships that have and will last a lifetime. One of the best of this small band is Jerry. Jerry was on the group that convinced me to move from Minnesota to a place called Ohio. He holds the dubious distinction of being one of my best friends. We have spent long days and nights discussing art, politics, religion, philosophy, science, and helping others while our wives do the important things in life. The satisfaction and enjoyment derived from our discussions is a difficult match at any level. After a visit with my friend, I felt fulfillment and a sense of accomplishment, like closing a suitcase after packing the extra pair of pants and the sweater I knew just wouldn’t fit. Jerry and I can discuss anything, but we actually don’t do anything. Our visits work like a placebo. They make me feel better but don’t result in any action other than a desire on my part to do it again.

The placebo effect is easy to fall into. Talking about complex problems and potential solutions is often simpler than taking action to bring about change. Occasionally, my wife allows me to believe I’ve won an argument—excuse me, a discussion—but in reality, nothing changes unless there is a commitment to act. In my mind, things seem better, but the situation remains the same until an actual change occurs. Organizations, countries, and cultures can become entrapped by the placebo of the process, losing sight of the actual implementation required. This can affect any group seeking to change and do the right thing. Despite our many competing opinions, Determining the right course of action requires study, research, and design. Striving for the “best” solution can often hinder action and lead to complacency.

How long have we known that the world's climate is changing, that poverty and disease continue to be significant global issues, and that aggression, terrorism, and conflict are not solutions but problems? The evidence is indisputable: some predators prey on the weak and disadvantaged. Yet, we often see the introduction of a great placebo—discussions that lead nowhere.

For those passionate about human dignity, respect, and equity, this placebo effect manifests as grumbling and frustration. Many ask, “What can we do? We lack the resources, the political support, or the power to bring about change. If only they understood our circumstances.” It is indeed easier to talk about these problems than to take action. As we complain, assign blame, and wallow in self-pity, progress remains elusive, and nothing gets done.

My blinding flash of the obvious is that taking action—regardless of scale—is far more beneficial than choosing to do nothing. Throughout history, we’ve seen numerous instances where small groups of determined individuals have sparked monumental changes across the globe. Today, we find ourselves in a unique and transformative moment, we all live in a world that no longer exists. It is vastly different from what it once was.

The reality is that many of us underestimate our significance. Each of us has the potential to make a meaningful impact, and this realization opens the door to countless opportunities. Now is the time to step up, embrace our capacity for influence, and take bold steps toward doing something innovative and constructive. By acting, we can contribute to positive change and redefine the future.