I have a friend who can always be counted on to have a great book recommendation handy. Another who can not only tell you the best available movie currently in theatres, but confidently stand behind his recommendations.And some people are eager to share a link to an article or idea that’s worth reading.Most people, though, hesitate. « What if the other person doesn’t like it… »The fear of being judged is palpable, and the digital trail we leave behind makes it feel more real and more permanent. We live in an ever-changing culture, and that culture is changed precisely by the ideas we engage with and the ones we choose to share. Sharing an idea you care about is a generous way to change your world for the better.The culture we will live in next month is a direct result of what people like us share today. The things we share and don’t share determine what happens next.As we move away from the top-down regime of promoted movies, well-shelved books and all sorts of hype, the recommendation from person to person is now the most powerful way we have to change things.It takes guts to say, « I read this and you should too. » The guts to care enough about our culture (and your friends) to move it forward and to stand for something.We’ll judge you most on whether you care enough to change things.

Seth Godin