The Genetic Legacy: From Mendel’s Pea Pods to Modern Corporate Evolution
I was recently reading a book on the history of gene and came across a fascinating story about Gregor Mendel (1822-1884), a Mathematician/Biologist in his lifetime and now known as the "Father of Genetics." Despite his groundbreaking work, Mendel wasn't recognized for his contributions in Genetic Legacy until a few decades after his death. He was remembered more as a "gentle man who loved flowers and kept detailed weather and star records" (quoting as published in a local newspaper in his obituary). For a decade, Mendel meticulously experimented with pea plants, observing how traits were passed from one generation to another. It wasn't until 1909 that his work was acknowledged, and the term "gene" was coined. Ironically, the scientific understanding of genes was later twisted by a dictator to justify horrific crimes in the name of "pure blood."
It’s a poignant reminder of how life and science can be intertwined, sometimes with unforeseen consequences.
How Industrial Revolution Shaped Our Corporate DNA
So, why am I talking about Mendel’s Pea Pods genetic legacy or rather genes today? Genes are the carriers of whatever is left in you from your ancestors. The Industrial Revolution led the world to adopt European ways of life, including the education system and job culture we see today—a legacy of our imperial past. This culture has made us great followers, with the Industrial Revolution teaching us to put our heads down, follow the rules, and live the life planned for us. This mindset is so ingrained that we hardly acknowledge the possibility of an alternative life where we buy back our time. An alternate world where we decide what to do with our time instead of renting it out for living. Could it be in our genes holding us back?
If you look at the corporate food chain, the employee is at the bottom, while investors are at the top. Employees are kept so busy throughout their lives that they often fall in love with this system, rarely dreaming of reaching the top of the food chain. It’s uncommon for a salaried individual to reach the top in one lifetime. But don’t genes evolve? We're witnessing a wave of change in the newer generation of salaried professionals who are challenging the status quo. Companies like Byju’s, willing to fail, and Zomato, writing new success stories, exemplify this shift. However, evolving genetically within a single lifetime requires a significant push. As a society, we need to support those who are on this evolutionary path! We are risk averse by nature and that needs to change.
For every dream that came true, there was someone who said with conviction, it was possible. Genetic Legacy is all about taking risks because the biggest risk of life is not taking a risk!!
Happy evolution!!
