My sister and I said, Dad, are you doing to do anything about

In the words of Rae Dawn Chong, we are invited into a deeply personal and reflective moment shared with her father. In this simple exchange, she and her sister asked their father if he was going to take action on the health treatments that others had recommended. His response revealed that he had been working on these treatments, but it was their realization that they could take it further, that they could provide a real script to help others, that sparked their action. This story speaks to the profound power of family, initiative, and the ability to take a moment of uncertainty and transform it into something meaningful. It is a reminder that sometimes, the solution to a problem is not found in waiting for others to act, but in stepping forward and taking matters into your own hands, drawing upon the support and wisdom of those closest to you.

This principle of action is not new; it is reflected in the actions of great leaders throughout history. Consider the story of Cincinnatus, the Roman general who was appointed dictator in a time of crisis. Cincinnatus did not wait for others to solve the problems of Rome, nor did he sit idly by when a solution was needed. Instead, he acted decisively, led his forces, and returned Rome to stability, only to relinquish his power once the crisis had passed. His willingness to step forward and take responsibility, rather than waiting for a savior or relying solely on others, demonstrates the ancient wisdom that true leadership often comes from acting with clarity and purpose, especially when faced with uncertainty.

Similarly, the story of Joan of Arc, a young peasant girl, is one of immense courage and initiative. At a time when France was in crisis, Joan claimed to have received divine guidance and decided to lead the French army against the English forces. Despite her youth and lack of formal military training, she took action, rallying others to her cause and playing a pivotal role in turning the tide of the Hundred Years’ War. Joan’s actions, like those of Rae Dawn Chong and her sister, show that even in the face of daunting challenges, it is the ability to act that creates change, not just waiting or hoping for a solution.

The lesson Rae Dawn Chong shares is also deeply rooted in the ancient concept of collaboration. Just as her and her sister’s concern for their father led them to come together to offer something more concrete and effective, so too did the ancients value the power of community and shared purpose. The ancient Greeks believed in the importance of symposia, gatherings where intellectuals, philosophers, and citizens would come together to debate, share ideas, and collaborate on solving problems. It was through these collaborations that many of the foundational ideas of Western thought were born. The power of coming together in times of uncertainty and offering solutions is timeless. Rae Dawn and her sister understood that their combined action, guided by their father’s experience, could lead to something greater than what any one of them could have achieved alone.

In modern times, this same principle is found in the entrepreneurial spirit. Consider the story of Steve Jobs and his collaboration with Steve Wozniak to create the first Apple computer. Jobs, like Rae Dawn, did not wait for others to provide a solution; he took action, working with Wozniak to create something revolutionary. What began as a simple idea and a small group effort grew into a movement that changed the world. Jobs was driven by a deep belief that solutions come not from waiting passively, but from acting decisively and drawing upon the skills of those around him. This story echoes the sentiment of Rae Dawn Chong's reflection: that sometimes the greatest solutions come when we choose to act and combine our efforts with those of others.

The lesson here is clear: action in the face of uncertainty is often the key to meaningful change. Rae Dawn and her sister could have easily accepted their father’s situation and waited for others to help, but instead, they chose to act, to take the initiative, and to provide a real script that could make a difference. In our own lives, we are often faced with moments where we must decide whether to wait for others or to step forward and take action ourselves. It is in those moments of decisiveness that we can find the power to create change, not only for ourselves but for the people and causes we care about.

So, let us remember the wisdom of action, collaboration, and leadership that both Rae Dawn Chong and the great leaders of history have demonstrated. Let us not wait for others to solve our problems, but rather, let us come together, take initiative, and offer our unique contributions to the world. Whether it is in our careers, communities, or families, we have the power to create real change through our actions. Like Rae Dawn, let us not wait for a solution, but create one through our own strength, collaboration, and commitment to the well-being of those around us. In this way, we not only help ourselves but also become a source of strength and inspiration for others.