Brain: Greg Plotnikoff

Minnesota’s first poet laureate, Robert Bly. Truly gifted as a poet and as a translator of poetry from many corners of the globe.

Metaphors We Live By by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson and Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig.

From Nicki Lurie: “Greg, don’t get mad—get data!”

Howard Bell, executive director of Pathways—A Health Crisis Resource Center.

Obama. I am inspired by his vision and I am confident in his capacity to lead the change we need.

I read voraciously and enjoy walking the lakes.

All benefit, no risk? Maybe. But I like what the Harvard Business Review stated: “Perspective itself is worth an additional 50 IQ points.” I would much rather have an experience that deepens or broadens my perspective.

In medicine, book smart is necessary, but not sufficient. People smart is also necessary for serving others well.

I really enjoy David Byrne, Beethoven, and three baroque composers: Bach, Handel, and Purcell. I celebrate/worship with the sacred music of Minnesota composer Marty Haugen and conductor/performer Philip Brunelle.

When we as a species rediscover that we can access and strengthen our own innate capacities for self-care and self-healing.

No. Wisdom is a gift of grace that comes with cumulative reflection upon experience.

Yes. Every gift of intelligence comes with the responsibility to discern how to wisely and ethically apply it.