The Right Information at the Right Time Can Change the World
How One Insight Can Shape Our World's Destiny, Forever
Tupac Shakur once said “I’m not saying I’m going to change the world, but I guarantee I’m going to spark the mind of the one that changes the world.”
This is more profound than it may first seem.
At first glance, it seems to be nothing more than yet more bravado and bluster from an outspoken gangsta rapper. But looking carefully at what he is saying, he is talking about impact. He is talking about influence. He is talking about inspiration. He is talking about legacy.
That, quite simply, is what we’re all capable of. We don’t necessarily have to be the ones that go out and change the world ourselves.
What if we are of those who write, produce, create content or art that inspires others to go off and make a significant impact in the world? This is hugely powerful in and of itself.
A Bicycle and the Birth of Apple
Here’s an example.
When Steve Jobs was 14, he read an article in Scientific American magazine that listed the world’s most efficient species. To his surprise, humans were only fourth on the list. There were THREE more efficient species!
So, what was number 1?
Up in first place on this list was a bird, the condor. It was considered THE most efficient at travel as it used the least amount of energy in order to travel 1km of distance. Jobs was shocked. Who would’ve thought it?
But then he read a follow-up article in the same publication where somebody compared a condor to a human on a bicycle. This time, the human on the bike was over 50x more efficient!
This one insight blew Jobs’ mind. It was in this moment that Jobs realised that the key to exponential human progress was the use of tools. Tools unlocked the untapped potential of humans. It was this insight that planted the idea for what would eventually become Apple in Jobs’ mind.
A seed was planted, and Apple was its fruit.
When Jobs first started Apple in 1976, his original mission statement was:
"To make a contribution to the world by making tools for the mind that advance humankind".
In multiple interviews, Jobs said that he wanted Apple computers to be a “bicycle for the mind, that unleashed humankind". It never used to make sense to me personally - but with this context, it’s now easy to understand where this came from.
As we all know, Jobs certainly delivered on his mission, Apple grew to become one of the world’s most valuable companies, with a market cap of $1 trillion. Not bad eh?
Here's what for me is most impressive and powerful about this: it all started with the mere reading of an article in a magazine, which turned into an insight, that turned into a mission, that turned into a trillion-dollar company, that changed the world.
That's the potential power of receiving the right information at the right time.
Imagine the writer of that original article had never written his piece? Would the iPhone or MacBook I’m writing this on even exist?
Sure, there’s a lot more filtering required around much of the information today as we have an abundance of low-quality content that has exploded on our newsfeeds and clogged up our headspace (this will only get worse as AI booms). But the point is the right information can cause a paradigm shift, transform how you view the world around you, and consequently how you change the world around you.
Never, ever underestimate the power we all have to make a difference.
Fulfilling our Human Potential is a Vital Cause to Pursue
Information and technology are modern-day tools that can help elevate humans to their highest potential. That’s not to say we can’t live without them. It just means it can take us to the next level.
The level at which you are able to use the right information and the right tools will determine the level at which you can elevate yourself to, and ultimately the level at which you have an impact.
We are all unique, and there are things only we can do that even the brightest and best in the world are not capable of. You have been given your skills and abilities for a reason - which is in God’s infinite wisdom. For a clear purpose.
What this all means, however, is if you have the desire to have an impact and be elevated to your highest potential, then you need to carefully think about what information you need access to, to be able to activate this lofty capability within you.
Do you really know yourself? Have you ever really thought about why you’ve been through the experiences you’ve been through? Do you know WHY we’ve been prescribed all the various rituals and what purpose they serve?
Part of the problem of the modern education system is that it is not intended to operate in that way, and therefore does not quite give us the ‘right’ information we need. Perhaps by design. So we end up serving a different purpose, and end up lost and confused and playing smaller (and more unfulfilled) than was originally intended for us.
So it is something we need to seek out, purposefully. What exactly is the right type of information that you need to get access to, process and implement so it transforms you into becoming this formidable self-actualised individual?
The Transformative Power of the Qur’an
With all that said, here’s a thought to consider:
If a little article in a magazine can have that kind of impact and change our modern world in such a profound way - what impact then, do you think the Book and Words of Allah can have?
Well, we’ve already seen its vast impact.
The Quran, when it was first revealed, elevated a group of uncivilised, uncultured Bedouin shepherds to ultimate self-mastery and eventually sowed the seeds for a Golden Age of immense Islamic thought, achievement and excellence.
The time of the Prophet and the Quran being revealed was where the core principles were laid down, implemented and internalised painstakingly, verse by verse and through his shining example over 23 years. What came later was simply those principles bearing fruit, that amazing foundation maturing into a formidable, fearless, fantastic civilisation that excelled, achieved greatness and completely changed the world for over a thousand years.
The Second Golden Age project, therefore, is simply a revival of those attitudes, principles and values.
The aim is it will eventually spawn a revival and lead to the construction of a civilisation or order with political, economic, educational, social and religious institutions that collectively produce an environment that is conducive to the spiritual and worldly growth of Muslims (and indeed the world) at large.
But it begins with transforming the individual, first.
At KNOW, we believe the Quran is a universal book that was sent down so it may explain all things (16:89), for all mankind, until the end of time - therefore it is what we MUST turn to for guidance in an increasingly dark age. The Qur'an is meant to revive believers' hearts and to reform their minds. This in turn would produce people who know Allah and worship Him sincerely.
We also believe that every single one of us has an important part to play in that grand revival, which is steered by the self-discovery of their God-given talents and their ultimate mission. This is the key to unlocking the potential of every one of us.
The most important transformation is the transformation of you
Here’s the important part.
For this lofty revival to truly take root and flourish, it begins with you. Yes, you, the reader. A journey that starts with inspiration and awe, continues into introspection, discovery, and realisation. That leads you to a self-awareness that sheds light on your unique talents, strengths, and the purpose you were meant to serve in this expansive narrative. That purpose ends up completely transforming you, your family and quite possibly, the world.
You might be wondering, "How do I fit into this narrative? How can I make an impact? What is my mission?" It all begins by understanding your true purpose. This is the root, the keystone that makes everything else fall into place. Just as Jobs discovered his mission through an article, and just as the Sahabah were transformed by the words of the Quran, you too have an innate power waiting to be unleashed. It's about discerning the messages, both subtle and profound, that surround you, and letting them guide you to your destiny.
The Qur’an can certainly help us to unlock this insight.
But you also need a recipe, a formula, a framework to follow to ensure you can recognise the clues and connect the dots, along with a trusty mentor who can help guide you along the way.
Now, more than ever, we urge you to join us on this transformative journey.
A journey where you embrace the wisdom of the past, utilise the tools of the present, and shape the legacy of the future. A journey where every step, every insight, and every decision you make can bring you closer to fulfilling your true potential, and as a beautiful byproduct, can bring us closer to the dawn of the next Golden Age.
Your personal discovery doesn’t just transform you; it becomes a beacon for others. A ripple in the vast ocean of existence, that can lead to waves of change. By unlocking your potential, becoming formidable and by understanding your role in this divine play, you too can spark the mind of your peers, your community and in particular, the next generation, and together, we can make a huge impact.
In the words of Tupac, you may not directly change the world, but you definitely have a contribution to make. And your influence, once discovered and nurtured, can surely inspire someone who eventually does.
And above all else, you can most certainly change YOUR world.
In a world where you can choose between being a spectator or an active participant, choose to be an active participant. Join us and start by re-igniting your spirit, and let's co-create history together, insha’allah.
NB: I personally believe the KNOW Your Purpose Program is absolutely the ‘right information at the right time’ - as that is exactly how it was designed. The intention was always for it to be a transformative, paradigm-shifting and most importantly PRACTICAL initiative designed to guide Muslims young and old through a journey of self-discovery, purposeful living and true self-actualisation. I put myself in the shoes of me, 10 years ago and struggling with the deeper questions of life. What did I need to know to help me fully understand myself, my duty, the world and my place within it so I could excel and fulfil my untapped potential?
Imagine understanding the grand narrative of our existence and then diving deep into your personal strengths and passions, defining your mission, navigating the obstacles holding you back - and most importantly, actually implementing them into your life. This life-changing program, grounded in Islamic teachings and inspired by notable figures like Malcolm X and Imam Ghazali, offers you tools and activities to carve out your unique path and kickstart a purpose-driven life, where you fulfil your true potential insha’allah. That’s always been my dream, and I know it will benefit you, too.
If you’d like to learn more, you’re in the right place. Check out our free training and book a call with our team to discuss your personal situation further.
You can also check out our dedicated Second Golden Age Substack where we share more articles centred on this mission, and also our YouTube channel and Instagram channel where we explore the road map towards a Second Golden Age insha’allah!