A BRIGHT IDEA

What is the best way of coming up with an idea? I mean a big idea?

How do scientists think up new theories, like Big Bang, Multiverse, Eternal Inflation (I'm assured that this is a scientific idea not a nightmare for the Chancellor of the Exchequer)? What about the great inventions? How did the idea for a computer start or for the electric light bulb or for the game of cricket? There seems to be a restlessness in the human spirit that is always looking for the next big idea. Perhaps David Cameron's Big Society or Ed Miliband's New Generation or Nick Clegg's...what was he thinking of! Or is it simply that we are wired up to always explore and never to be satisfied. Perhaps it is that which feeds our desire for new things, new ways, new experiences, to never give up until the problem is solved, that drives the desire to be famous, even if it is for 10 minutes, or even infamous, that provokes us to great things, good things, selfless acts of kindness.

Watching a little of the wall to wall coverage of the Chilean Miners story and their rescue and the continuing and unfolding story, how did the idea for the rescue come together, the plan to build the Fenix 2 rescue cage. That is some idea!

I watched an interview between Jeremy Paxman and Russell Brand recently - you can find it at
www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-NCDovAWB8
and Part 2 at
www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_726079&v=08zNQ_wO0D8&feature=iv

It is a fascinating discussion between two big personalities (and egos) that covers a lot of ground. Part 2 is particularly interesting when Brand talks about his idea to do something significant, lasting and meaningful with the rest of his life. This could simply be his next big idea that he hopes will lead him towards redemption for his BBC 'sins'. But maybe it is a genuine desire to change his future. He seems to be reflecting on life in general and as he does he is coming up with new ideas that seem better than some of the ideas he has had so far. He even talks about his belief in God and how he is trying to connect to the source of all Big Ideas.

That is the Biggest Idea of all. Not just for Russell Brand but for all of us. But of course it is also the oldest Big Idea that God has wired into our lives from the very beginning. We have been searching for the best way to live, we have been looking for the best person to base our lives on, we've always been looking for ideas? Of course, how we work it all out is up to us, but somewhere in us all is the idea that we can make a difference without it being selfish, destructive or pointless.

Next time you have a moment, grab a coffee, sit down somewhere quiet and spend time having a think. What is the brightest idea you can think of? And then go and make it happen.

Now there is a bright idea.