Listen to the Mustn’ts

Theo Jansen is a talented artist and inventor who has created a kinetic sculpture that moves and lives on its own. His goal is to make a new life form, one that gathers energy from the wind.   These unique, animal-like creatures are made from PVC, walking up and down the beach with propellers and wings, each new generation becoming increasingly independent.

The creatures are an incredible display of ingenuity and persistence. Theo has dedicated 20 years of his life to this project, with the love and care a parent gives to their child.  One youtube video of Theo’s sculptures has attracted 740,000+ viewers, but as incredible as the creatures are, so are the variety of comments following it.

While many are positive (incredible, unbelievable, inspiring) others are less so  (I don’t think it’s that useful, I’m not impressed, I’ve seen better stuff).

If Theo had listened to negative statements like these throughout his lifetime, he might never have invented or refined his amazing brainchild.  But he remained true to his vision and persisted in researching laws of science to take his vision through years of improvements that have led him to realizing what was in his heart.

Persistence, faith, protecting your dream.  Are you teaching your student the qualities they need to succeed in reaching for the stars?

Listen to Mustn’ts, child, listen to the Don’ts.
Listen to the Shouldn’ts, the Impossibles, the Won’ts.
Listen to the Never Haves, then listen close to me.
Anything can happen, child, Anything can be.
Shel Silverstein

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