exploring the intersection of new media and everything else

Every so often a story comes along that really touches the heart. It inspires you. It reminds you of those dreams that you had when you were a kid but have forgotten because you were too busy growing up.

This story sends me back to those times when I built worlds with Legos and imaginary robots with Tinker Toys. And for me the worlds I constructed were the worlds I wanted to live in… to be a part of. Those worlds were the better worlds, and they held all the potential that my monotonous, uninspiring, sometimes unbearable life in southeast Texas did not.

The Esquire story of Dean Kamen – best known for his invention of the Segway Scooter – is that kind of story. Kamen is a true dreamer… a real life Captain Kirk. Kamen belongs on the bridge of the Starship Enterprise proclaiming his defiance to all those who would stand in the way of exploration… charting a course into the unknown so that the rest of humanity may benefit.

Kamen is David Farragut at the Battle of Mobile Bay shouting Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead! Because despite the difficulties and obstacles that face him, Kamen will not stop until he has conquered… or died.

The Esquire piece is a long article. But engaging and well worth the time it takes to read if you are like me, and you would see the world for what it could be… not what it is.

Esquire’s How Dean Kamen’s Magical Water Machine Could Save the World by John H. Richardson.