The Pragmatic Art: of Brad Pitt.

“We have to find a new paradigm, a new way of thinking.”

These words come from a past Newsweek interview with Brad Pitt. The subject being discussed was eco-friendly design in architecture, but the words can apply in multiple areas of life. “We can’t just consume ourselves into extinction,” he observes.

There is a necessary discipline in viewing ourselves not only as consumers, but also as contributors. Such a discipline comes from a mental framework that evolves from competitive to cooperative. Our environment and others then become partners in opportunity, and not opponents or pawns in our own achievements.

Cooperation is seen in Brad’s managing the media attention that is given him. Through his fame, Brad has brought attention to poverty, sickness and unfair trade in other parts of the world. Furthermore, by working with the media in providing sought-after photos of him and his family, millions of dollars have been raised for people in need.

Whether we contribute to environmental needs by living “green,” or we contribute to interpersonal needs by looking for ways to help others, we are playing a vital role in ‘finding a new way of thinking’ that benefits all people and all life. We come to understand that it is our contributions that sustain our lives, and not our consumptions. This is the pragmatic art of cooperation.

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