Modern Life - cog in a wheel

The raison d’être for standardisation, quantification and documentation is to secure a baseline for what is acceptable within a discipline to which it is applied. What arises from the rigorous implementation of such measures is a regression to the mean - pulling up to standard those that fall below accepted levels of competency but risks stifling those that pursue excellence beyond what is measured and documented. Many do not or cannot find meaning in what is typically the only activity for which they get paid. They sign in, tick the relevant boxes, and sign out. Good for them. It's often better that a cog fits and fulfils a minimum requirement than to not have one at all. A good participant understands this and, regardless of the attitude of others, seeks his reward in a job done well. But, at some point, the further application of time and effort that is not appropriately recognised becomes burdensome. If the opportunity arises the participant may choose to move on, or he may choose to stay put.. and regress to the mean.

Few are content to simply push on. There are, after all, other priorities.

In theory, all industries and workplaces should strive to be conducive to active and engaged participants - to value what they create, improve or contribute and to provide them with the wherewithal to reflect on such. The sobering reality of a globally-connected, data-driven world is that economies of scale often matter more. If a task can be automated and greater efficiencies attained then this is where standardisation, quantification and documentation will take us.

Publicly-funded health and education systems have their challenges but provide a useful mechanism for redistributing wealth (= opportunity) in an uneven world. You should never take your health and education for granted so treat such institutions as a gift to the societies fortunate enough to have them. There are many who go beyond their duty in order to make them work.

Beautiful. But there are measurably better ways to do this.

It’s a big picture vs small picture thing.