We live in a dual world. Everything that exists has its antithesis. Ying has Yang, cold has hot, left has right, and iOS has Android.
These two operating systems have an entirely different view of the world. One is open, and the other is closed. Let's be honest. The open-world sounds much better.
Don't judge me yet, but I'm for the closed and isolated world. All my actions in the past state that this is where I stand. I don't even want to change this. Android is for other people, not me. Nothing will ever change my mind.
Everyone talks about how people and machines will merge in the future. Before that happens... Let me do one thing first, empathize with an operating system, call it a machine if you like. So, Android, this is the last time I will ever make a conscious effort to think about you. Usually, I don't. It's not that you suck or anything like that. I'm just indifferent, and you are not part of my world.
But let me try to get as close as I can to feel the world the way you do.
"Hello, I'm Android.
It took me a while to find my purpose in this world. I was soul searching like many of you. A hippie at heart, liberal in views, I traveled the world with my backpack. There was beauty all around. The soulful beats of jazz in New Orleans. The magnificent sceneries of the Rainbow Mountains in Chile. I fell in love with this beautiful planet Earth. And I found my purpose in making a change that will make the world a better place. Altruistic, perhaps, but it wasn't only about me. It was about everyone else too. The world can be as good as the best parts of every one of us. Everyone should bring their best and add to the beauty of this world. Collective wisdom and our hearts are the power that's pushing what's possible. Everyone is welcomed to take part, say what they need to say, and do what they need to do. Regardless of who you are and where you are coming from.
One of the beautiful things about us is that we are all different. What makes us different is what unites us and drives the world forward. Each of our uniqueness can make a difference, but only if we share it for others' benefit.
If someone asks me why I am doing the things I do, I only have one thing to say. I'm a victim of my beliefs and convictions. I believe in a more open and connected world where we are all for one, and one is for all.
Every single day, I wake up and think about how we can make it better, a little better. And every single day, I'm inspired by how many of us live to make that happen. Joined together, we are creating something beyond our wildest dreams—a world of opportunities, a world of possibilities for everyone.
In this world,
I stand for equality.
I stand for togetherness.
I stand for inclusivity.
I stand for freedom.
I stand for openness.
I stand for respect.
I stand for everyone.
Making a better and more connected world is such a privilege, and my heart is full as I'm not alone in this colossal task."
Android is a machine with a heart. And it is so close to mine. He believes in everything I do, and we share the same view of the world.
How come that each time I decide to cheer for iOS?
Don't tell me that I'm making a rational decision as iOS is better, more intuitive, or faster. I'm not a rational human being. I'm more irrational than I would want to admit. But now, more than ever before, I understand why people find Android to be better. And this again has nothing to do with being rational.
Some say that the 20th century was the age of introspection. And that the 21st century will be the age of outrospection. No doubt that empathy is becoming one of the most critical aspects of our lives. I like to call it open-heartedness. But how can you practice it? How can you become better at it?
Try the above exercise. Think about people that you disagree with or who hold opposite views. Now, try to write in the first person all the arguments and opinions that they have. Write it so convincingly that it will make you believe in it. In the end, it's not important who is right or wrong. The point is to get closer to understanding how the world looks and feels from the other side—a must for all marketers.
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