How big can we get without getting bad?

This was a challenge and a question of Jay Chiat.

He was a co-founder of Chiat/Day, an advertising agency.

His agency went on to create work that has changed our lives.

They created the "1984" commercial that ran only once, but introduced us to the Apple Macintosh computer.

They created advetising for Nike, Apple, Energizer and many more that you know.

Jay is now dead.

His agency lives on.

And so does his challenge. And his question.

"How big can we get without being bad?"

It is such a relevant question, especially with the headlines of the recent past.

Tiger Woods.

General Motors.

Toyota.

Lehman Brothers.

AIG.

Hummer.

The Democratic Party.

The Soviet Union.

Barry Bonds.

Yes it is quite a challenge for countries, companies, and individuals who have tasted success.

It makes me wonder about our country.

Is the United States of America getting better? Or have we peaked and headed down the backside of the mountain?

I don't know the answer.

But it is a question we all need to honestly ponder. And depending on the answer we come up with, we need to do something about it.