On the nights of the 10 and 11 May 1941, a huge number of bombs fell on London, most significantly the House of Commons. They were essentially destroyed. Churchill surveyed the damage when he visited, commented that the building should be re-built exactly as was it was. Many disagreed. They stated that this was an opportunity for change. Nevertheless, he felt that the building, with its pew like seating facing each other, its central speaker’s chair, should remain. ‘We mould our surroundings’ he said, ‘and then our surroundings mould us’.
Churchill used an interesting phrase, which applies to us today in many ways.
No architect in years gone by could have anticipated that the modest building they envisaged would be the building it is today. However, back at that time, they had a vision, a focus, a long-term plan that they would create something extraordinary. They would mould a building, and that building would mould lives.
But like the gardener who plants trees that she or he knows they won’t see in full growth, those early builders knew that what for many of them was their life’s work would never been seen in completion. It would be something for other to enjoy.
This has developed a phrase – Cathedral Thinking. That the work you do today will not be completed by you, and the outcome may be different, but that you are working on a shared vision.
The concept of Cathedral Thinking stretches back through the centuries to medieval times, when architects, stonemasons and artisans laid plans and began construction of the soaring, cavernous structures that served as places of worship, community gathering spaces and safe havens.
Since then, the concept has been applied to space exploration, city planning and other long-term goals that require decades of foresight and planning so future generations can enjoy their full realization.
Though there are many instances to which Cathedral Thinking can be applied, they all require the same foundation: a far-reaching vision, a well thought-out blueprint, and a shared commitment to long-term implementation.
Although we have not this year been able to gather in the usual way in many of the grandest buildings such as a Cathedral, Temple or Mosque, we need to take in mind the vision of those early architects, and apply it to our lives. Our influence and importance collectively in society will be judged on what we leave as a legacy.
How will you embrace Cathedral Thinking? What will you do to ensure that the world is in the smallest way possible a better place? How will you work in the long-term for others? What will you do to spend your lives moulding your surroundings, so you can be reassured that forevermore the surroundings you have moulded will have a positive influence on the life of others?
There is only one thing in our lives that we are never able to reacquire once it is gone. I am not talking about money or materialistic items; I am talking about time. It is such a unique concept that when used correctly contains all the ingredients for success, for happiness, for growth and prosperity. However, at the same time if neglected it leaves us with very little. As the end of this (rather strange) academic year starts to come to an end, I strongly encourage you to reflect on your individual experience. Everyone will be moving up a year in a few months and it is always good to be still and think. A key point to note here is that life is so short and precious and we only get one shot at it. Some advice would be to grasp every opportunity that comes, to be kind and surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you, and to savour every moment with the people you love because the way we spend our time defines who we are. In short, be a Cathedral Thinker and a force for good!
Stay well and safe.
Be kind to yourself and each other.
Best wishes,
Dr Bird
