Imagination in the 21st Century

In light of America's relations with China being a hot topic this week, there was a great article by Thomas L. Friedman in the New York Times today. He started wtih the adage "Britain owned the 19th century, America owned the 20th Century and China will more than likely own the 21st Century". But Friedman refuses to cede this century to China yet. He argues that in a world of increasing commoditization, there is still one thing left that can't be commoditized and will serve a country now better than ever before and that is imagination.
In Friedman's view, America still has this and he doesn't want to give a century away to an authoritarian society who controls the internet. But he does go on to say that the only way to harness creativity is good governance and that is only going to be possible by better citizens.
A thought provoking piece worth reading.
Advice from Grandma, Thomas L Friedman

Image: mirror.co.uk