“The Lost City of Z”: Adventures on the Frontier
The Royal Geographic Society (RGS) in turn of the century British Empire was a major driver for exploration. Centered in London, at the height of the Empire, it was responsible for funding mapping expeditions across the world. This was the height of the age of exploration.
This movie, based on a true story, takes place in the early 1900s when a young British officer named Fawcett is charged by RGS to map the undiscovered wilds jungles and Amazon river of Bolivia in order to prevent War between Brazil and Peru. Facing challenging terrain, disease and hostile Indian tribes along the whole route. Along the way he finds signs of an ancient city and civilization. This becomes his life mission of discovery.
A dangerous but grand adventure. Chasing & mapping the uncharted frontier.
Frontiers are important. These need to exist. For the most young and ambitious, for those who want to craft their own future or even have a chance to start all over again.
We all need a challenge to overcome. A great quest. A mission. A new place to seek and conquer.
America used to be this place during the 1700 and 1800s. As America developed during the 1900s & 2000s, it was the West Coast where the action was. The Technology industry has grown madly.
Now as the technology industry is now mainstream, America seems to be closing in on itself. Ambition levels in general among the populace seem to have dropped. We’ve had so much prosperity for so long that we have gotten arrogant and complacent as a society. As stated in the movie: “But there is no safe passage in life.”
We need new frontiers to explore and conquer even if it’s just in our minds. Space, the Ocean, Clean Energy, Artificial Intelligence, Crypto & Decentralized Technology, Biotech & the Human body. Pushing forward in new territory is humbling yet critical for human progress. This is why I’m so bullish on the ever growing entrepreneurial revolution around the world. One that will illuminate the world if we do it right.
As long as there are brilliant young people willing to push and pursue the frontiers of these sectors, I will continue to remain optimistic about the future.