I completely agree with this, with one caveat. The world IS unbelievably complicated, and trying to fix everything all at once through some technological wizardry will fix exactly nothing, ever. But while you’re focusing on those smaller things you can change, it’s OK to dream about big changes while you do it.

In rebutting the idea that one could build a social network about politics, you bring up Google +, and the fact no one uses it, with the sobering conclusion that if Google couldn't build a social network people use, you certainly can’t. Too true. But, of course, at some point Larry Page and Sergey Brin thought up Google itself and made it work. They focused, sure, but they thought big, also. And achieved big.

It’s good, IMHO, to dream big about changing the world. It can keep you motivated while you’re working away at those specific things you can influence.

It’s even possible that someday those big dreams could become reality. But not if you don’t dream them in the first place.

On that note, I’m getting back to work.