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Michael Mendizza

As a documentary film maker I have interviewed hundreds of remarkable human beings and I consider everyone a teacher. Some I call mentors because the trust, respect and friendship we develop becomes a constant source of life-changing insight and inspiration. Joseph Chilton Pearce and I have such a relationship. There are others. Central to Joe’s life work and passion is something he calls the ‘model imperative.’ Our limitless capacity to learn and grow is shaped and defined by the model-environment. We can assume that every child, having evolved over billions of years, has undreamed of possibilities woven into every cell of his or her body. What dreams and capacities each unique child develops is dependent on the models given. This simple insight shifts the focus of human development from the child to the adult model. If we want the next generation to unfold and develop greater understanding, greater empathy, sensitivity, intelligence, imagination and compassion, these qualities must be experienced and modeled day to day in relationship with adults. The model imperative underscores Gandhi’s insight that ‘we must be the change we want to see in the world.’ As a child grows and develops so too must the adults in that child’s …