April 16, 2020

It is with a heavy heart that I must deregister S.E.I. 

Having returned to Canada in early November 2019 to start a new chapter in my life that was to include promoting S.E.I's activities to Canadian entities, I, like so many, was blind-sided by the COVID-19 global pandemic which drastically interfered with my planned corporate and research activities.

Wish you a healthy and safe life during these crisis times.

May 4, 2018

May the 4th be with you, eh ?

I know.  Corny as it is, it is still a reflection of some people's belief that there is something grand "out there" that will save us... or at least encourage us to band together to make our Spaceship Earth a truly caring, humane place for a long lasting civilization.

In 1988, after numerous years working for others in a variety of “jobs”, I founded Starlight Infoworks in Canada as an information consultancy whose mission became defined as "Making Information Work For You".  Soon I also became involved in organizational behaviour and ways to improve not just workflow but also organizational efficiency.  Throughout these endeavours my eclectic knowledge base enabled me to use informational synergy to come up with innovative "out-of-the-box" solutions to organizational challenges.

As time progressed, as I gained new (or deepened my) knowledge and experiences, my goal evolved to one of developing concepts that would bring people together to enable them to build a better life for all of them.  There were many trials and errors, but eventually I realized that although consumerism was popular, and profitable, even more important were other factors of life, namely Valourization, Synergy and Community.  Check out my LinkedIN post titled Sharing Global Village Wisdoms.  Certainly money is important in this current iteration of our civilization, but it is only secondary to living a “full life”, one that includes the above as well as a sense of fairness, honesty, caring and other characteristics that some would call “soft” people needs.

These days I am in China continuing my socio-economic research, concentrating on educaltural research with the objective of developing a truly Global Village Mindset in citizens in all countries, as well as tangible projects that will help promote GVM all over the world.  Some of these projects are highlighted in the S.E.I Introduction mentioned under my S.E.I “work” experience. the Starlight Educaltural Institute (HongKong) is the chrysalis of my socio-economic research initiative. 

If you feel as I do that it is time for a paradigm change in our social order, that we must evolve into a truly caring and nurturing civilization or face extinction, then do join us at S.E.I on this journey… this mission.

Has been a while eh ?

Summer 2017 turned out to be quite busy.  Then took a quick trip to Canada, visiting Vancouver and my hometown Ottawa.  And of course, ongoing readingS... lots of reading... and compiling their wisdoms.  We'll shortly be adding a new section to the website to share these kernels with you.

Good news for our members in Wuhan, China.  We have started our 13th year of cooperation with the Hubei Provincial Museum to bring participants more lectures as part of S.E.I's Balanced Lifestyle series.  For those too far to "visit", and those just wishing to review the content from the comfort of their hom, you can watch and/or download a copy from our Publications page.

See you soon, eh.

Came across a post by Daniel Ally, one of my networkers on LinkedIN, that reminded me that wealth, specifically its accumulation, seems to have turned society into a greedy environment were its "all for one... and only for one", no matter the consequences.

Daniel's post concentrates on "The 5 Directions of Your Money", essentially giving us free advice, and wisdom, on how to acheive wealth... in the sense of the popular interpretation of same.

I take this and go further, suggesting that the former alternative interpretation needs a return if civilization is to survive.  Check out my "Balanced Lifestyle" series for the Hubei Library, specifically the upcoming 2-hour session on "Wealth".  If you are in Wuhan, welcome to join us on April 22 at 09:30.

Agree or disagree, I hope that you will take time to think about this kind of behaviour... and email me your thoughts to... jacques.st.arnaud@gmail.com

As you've heard, I love reading.  Especially science fiction... that helps me to relax.

Imagine my chagrin as I read "Prototype D", a recent writing by Jason D. Morrow.  The storyline, especially the content from chapter 25 and on, made me upset.  So much so that I felt I had to make a comparison to our current global state of affairs.

Check out my article for LinkedIN and Facebook and you'll understand, and maybe agree, that the storyline is a close simile to our current global state of affairs, of a world in such turmoil that one as to wonder if there is truly rhyme or reason to all the “talk” about “enemies of the state”, and if some have "created" "Enemies of Convenience" simply to keep us "in line".

March 22, 2017

As you've seen, I love doing volunteeer outreach activities.  On March 18th I had the pleasure of starting my 12th year with the Hubei Provincial Library as we offered, at free admittance, a continuation of S.E.I 's Balanced Lifestyle series, this one focused on "Motivationals".

So imagine my surprise to meet Jessie Fan of the Changjiang Weekly who then asked me some questions.  My answers will be part of an article on yours truly that will appear in in the March 24th issue of the Weekly.

The following are the questions she asked and my replies to same. 

Hope you find them enlightening.

1. What do you feel about the first lecture in 2017 ?

Firstly, am feeling humble that so many showed up, close to 100 participants, and that for most of them this was their first time to one of my lecture-discussions.  Was pleased to see that the majority truly enjoyed the topic and my style of presentation. But more importantly encouraged that quite a few had the courage to speak out, whether to answer questions or ask questions, and even offering suggestions, thereby making the lecture not just a lecture, but also a discussion… as intended.

2. You have mentioned that you've worked with Hubei Provincial Library for 12 years ?

That is correct.  I have been involved with Hubei Library since 2005, soon after setting up my Canadian company’s branch office here in Wuhan, the Canada Infoworks China Agency.  Note that I  closed the branch office in 2012.  I feel honoured to be a small part of management’s “outreach” activities and their choice of myself and my new company, the Starlight Educaltural Institute.

3. In your opinion, what's the meaning of holding such kind of lecture at a public library ?

My parents raised me with a belief that life is precious and that we have a duty to always be learning to become a better person and actively contribute to society’s betterment.  They also passed on a belief that everyone is important, that although we may be different sizes, colours, races, even beliefs, we all have a right to life… and a duty to ensure our civilization survives in harmony with Nature on this Blue Marble Earth, a planet that is truly a “spaceship” with limited resources.

With that said, as a researcher and small businessman, I feel it is my duty, nay, my privilege to share my and others knowledge with the public, with the hope that some will see the content as wisdom that they can apply to enrich their daily life… and even contribute to a better future for all societies.

I love reading.  Whether science fiction, or drama.  Even science, technology and biographies. And even current news articles.  I have been tagged as a junkie... an information junkie.  That is true.  My eclectic readings confirm this.  That said, this is how I became, and remain an “expert generalist”, able to find solutions to organizational problems, what people call “thinking outside the box”, as well as being a futurist.

Recently I came across an author who has written novels whose content has simply been challenging my perceptions… and given me further belief that our civilization does have a bright future.  To say that Douglas E. Richards is another Isaac Asimov would be an understatement.  But that is something I will let society decide if true or not.  

For now, if you love reading, if you love challenges to your existing perceptions, then I strongly recommend that you take a read of some of his “fictional” writings, notably his “Wired” / “Amped” duo, his “Mind’s Eye” / “BrainWeb” / “MindWar” Nick Hall series, and “Quantum Lens”.   

And then give some thought to mankind’s developments in science over the past century.   

I’m sure many will agree with me that if we can also make progress in our beliefs and behaviours from “hunters” to “carers”, we may actually have a chance to preserve our fragile ‘human” civilization… by implanting a truly humane Global Village Mindset.

Came across a post by Chan-Sun (Chris) Park, one of my networkers on LinkedIN, that prompted me to reply as follows:  "Ironic that parents want the best for their children and yet "clip their wings" in the delusional thinking of knowing what is best for their child, forcing their own expectations and growth path onto what is an “individual”, a human being that has its own unique character."

Agree or disagree, I hope that you will take time to think about this kind of behaviour... and email me your thoughts.

Sincere best wishes to everyone as we prepare to welcome the New Year of the Rooster.  This year is the Fire Rooster, so a good year for those who are trustworthy and have a strong sense of timekeeping and responsibility.  For S.E.I  that is very timely, as we look to expand our team so that we can grow even faster.

Our goal continues to be the introducing of even more people to a Global Village Mindset.  But like this onion blossoming into such a beautiful flower, we must be patient and attentive.

So for the moment, we will be concentrating on the realization of our G4Habitat in Canada and a caregiver/nurse training program in Hubei Province, China.

Stay tuned for more news on these and other initiatives from S.E.I .

Recently came across a "strong" song that "touched my heart... and soul".  Although the lyrics are sometimes debatable, the overall theme is one that most of us can empathize with:  To Leave Something Behind.  In the end, that is why we live, n'est-ce-pas?  For sure it is what S.E.I  is all about... coming together to be stronger, to gain more benefits for a more comfortable and secure life, and thereby be able to leave something for the next generations.

What does the word "friend" really mean?  For some it is a word to describe someone we know, someone who is like-minded to us in one way or another, and that we eventually trust.  The question though is what kind of friend are they?  Are they really a friend, or just along for a "free ride", at our expense?  I prefer to have "true" friends.  And the only way to know for sure is to "test them".  Once you have helped them, in whatever, put them in a situation were you "need" their help.  Check to see how quickly they help you and/or if they even really do help you.  If they fail, then they become just acquaintances, deserving of our respect as human beings for sure, or sometimes only strangers not to be trusted, and certainly not to be associated with.

With finally finding a great translator I thought it fitting that we update the website.  Ok, at least a little, mostly unseen.  Coding can be such a pain sometimes... but well worth it, me thinks.  What think you ?

As for our web pages in Chinese, please be patient a little longer.  Vivian is working hard and conscientiously to give our webmaster the correct text to insert into the related web pages.  Check out the recent additions for our  Welcome / 欢迎 and  GVM / 地球村思维模式  pages.

Came across a friend's social media post about an organization, the CTUAS (China Top Universities Admission Service Co.Ltd.) that is dedicated to helping foreigners study in China.  The link takes us to their webpage that promotes Wuhan.  Wuhan is considered to be the 3rd most important city in China, according to many people and the CCP.  The page is definitely worth a check by yourseslves to find out how quickly Wuhan has been developing into a truly modern city, into China's Central Hub.  Hope you enjoy the overview.  Let me know what you think of my home away from home.

As a "bonafide "generalist" I enjoy reading a lot... on a lot of different topics.  As a proud Canadian I also like to read articles about Canada.  One such recent article, titled "What Dominic Barton thinks Canda should do to boost the economy", caught my interest.  In researching the background story, I soon found out that this Council of Economic Advisors is already setup.  Take a look at my article and its bibliography to find out for yourselves what difficulties and criteria this group will face as it tries to help Canada find a path to economic growth in today's Global VIllage.

August, such a hot but busy month... and well worth it me thinks.  Hope you agree.  Check out our third Learning page for a great listing of unbelievable websites that offer a FREE education.  This  list is a supplement to the Group Starlight's Links To pages.  Speaking of gaining new knowledge, check out S.E.I 's revised Publications page for a list of the numerous lestures, speeches and presentations given by our Chairman during the past decade.  And please do stay tuned to this page or our News page.  We have more information upcoming in the near future.

Vivian, you are a true shining light in this world.  Thank you again for helping S.E.I  with our need for translations of our website and verious documents.

Taking time out for some some "clean up" time.  Came across a great song, circa 2009, by Celine Dion, one of my fovourite singers of all time.  It is part of of my "motivationals" library.  Take a listen and let me know what you think.

Time for a little fun.  See if you can guess the reason for this video.  Chris and I had a lot of fun helping Wuhan TV2 with this 2014 activity.

So many changes, so little time.  These have certanly been busy times.

From creating 3 new lectures for Hubei Library ("Career Choices" presented in May, "Look Forward" given in June, and now the "Change.. Coming!" lecture for July 16th @ 09:30), all part of my "Balanced Lifestyle" lecture series; to buying and moving our website to its own domain name (www.educaltural.institute) and adding autodirect coding to ensure a seamless transition; to adding new web content; to creating a SEI Introduction presentation; to meeting potential members.

Quite a busy period for sure, and that is not counting "personal" work which is as time consuming.  All of this looking like an omen to me that now is not the time for me to return to Canada as I had previously planned.  So here I am, still in Wuhan... and enjoying these "interesting times".  Enjoy the changes... and the coming changes.

Just came across a great phrase that will probably become a great quote.

"Harmony.  It's not about what's lasting or permanent.  It is about individual voices coming together, for a moment.  And that moment lasts... the length of a breath.  That's what I think about my time here."   From the speech given by Francis Underwood at the inauguration of a library bearing his name, in Episode 8 (Chapter 8) of Season 1 in the TV series 'House of Cards'.

Although the speaker was talking about his time at a military academy, I see it as a reflection of the time I have spent here on our Blue Marble.

What do you 'see' in this quote ?