I like Seth Godin's blog. There is an ethical quality to his remarks which belies a deeper morality. His thinking suggests that good ethics are good for business too. There are many days when I don't believe that. Everywhere people seem to get by well enough showing no ethical concerns beyond those demanded by narrow interests. Lack of imagination feels like the default. But there are other days when I know better and can rise to the bigger idea. Seth in his daily posts serves as a reminder. He makes his case with wit and intelligence and common sense.

Coming from a background where a sulky cynicism toward business alongside service with a grudge are norms such an outlook is refreshing. I emailed Seth recently to thank him for his writing. He thanked me back and closed off with "hang in there". It struck me that in over thirty years of struggle doing what I do no one had ever said that to me. It's just not the way of things here to put voice to that kind of encouragement. It's a cultural difference. It's also an ethical one.