[...] Taylor Davidson succinctly describes what I think many are seeking in this über-connected world. [...]

Thanks Taylor, great video. I think the idea of connecting disparate communities is truly one of your important values. I've met a lot of other people doing similar things in other communities through you. Thanks for this.

Thanks Chris; and there are still a lot of communities out there ready
to be connected.

Great thoughts, people to ideas, ideas to ideas, people to people. Bridge those boundaries!

Thanks Patrick, and as you know, one of my biggest areas of interest
over the past year + has been learning and figuring out better ways to
do the connecting (people and ideas). I know you have learned a lot
through The Movement…

Great video…

Though I question your assertion that communities are “the only thing” you have. I think communities are essential for helping one grow, cultivating one's thoughts, or allowing for one to experience things that one otherwise might have missed. But what about your own beliefs, biases, and aspirations? Perhaps there are some things for which communities cannot influence you. There is great value in communities, but perhaps you give them too much credit here. Thoughts?

Well said.

As I see it, cities around the world (and the online world) are made of communities. Without them, what would we have? They provide a sense of belongingness, build bridges between people of different backgrounds and let us exchange ideas and form valuable connections.

The challenge, and the fun part, is to find the right communities (off- and online), where you'll get the best value, can contribute the most, make a difference, find inspiration and, most of all, learn.

I agree that communities are vital for helping one grow, but your own beliefs and aspirations can very well exist within communities. One doesn't necessarily exclude the other.

The loss of context while compacting stories into soundbites often leaves us a little too open to interpretation. But you've read and followed for a long time, so you make a good and valid point.

Taken literally, yes, I have a lot more than communities. I do have a lot of beliefs, aspirations, original thoughts and abilities, but:
1) they have been shaped by the learnings from many communities, and
2) without the support of others, it's hard to get anywhere on our own.

Crowds still require individuals to function, to grow, to succeed.

Well said :)

Taylor, thanks for the clarification. I didn't mean to rule out that quote. It just seemed a bit strange to phrase it the way you did, not least because it made it sound like you were entirely shaped or influenced by communities…

Ericajoh makes a great point in the comment below, that it is entirely possible (perhaps even vital) to have our own beliefs and aspirations to exist within (be independent of) the communities.

I appreciate the feedback: your comment was spot on. Perhaps I used the wrong soundbite :)

[...] 1 of another long-ish journey, lots of people, thoughts and communities to meet and mix along the way. Many hours in “steel tubes going very fast” up [...]

[...] Why I Love Communities (taylordavidson.com) [...]

[...] Why I Love Communities (taylordavidson.com) [...]

[...] week at the inaugural TribeCon, a conference about the power of communities, I got the chance to participate on a panel called “Make Yourself Uncomfortable: How to Rawk [...]

[...] most of all, I’m looking forward to truly contributing to the community, to being able to help and give and create rather than having to ask for help and depend on others. [...]