Celente: Uniqueness is key in avoiding economic hardship

By Naresh Vissa
Daily Orange
Oct. 29, 2009

World-renowned Trends Research Institute founder Gerald Celente predicted that the greatest economic depression yet will hit the world by the end of 2012. The slump may be inevitable, but there are ways to prepare for it.

Thomas Jefferson once said, "I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have." During tough times, the average person will make quips for their lack of aptitude and instead take an optimistic approach toward the future. The worst thing you can say to yourself right now is, "The economy sucks now, but it will be fine when I graduate!"

"Perception and reality are two different things," Celente said. "What you may have believed before may not be true now, once you study the facts."

With an economic depression looming, distinguishing one's self from the competition is the only way to guarantee success. Finding ways to broaden your horizons and separate yourself from the pack can only help you during these hard times.

"Start looking at that one thing within you, that unique quality that is better than anybody else," Calente said.

Analyze your life. Reassess your majors. You are making a large investment by attending Syracuse University. Students should sit down with their families and discuss possible returns, separating anticipation from reality.

We're all hoping for the best, but anyone who does not have their antenna up and dismisses the current situation as something minor is overlooking the totality of the problem.

Keeping up with the news is important. This is something you have to do on your own.

"In universities, the future is off-limits," Celente said. "You're taught a lot about the past, somewhat now, and very little about tomorrow. The nation is current events stupid."

It's essential in today's global age to take an international view. Take a class about a foreign culture or language. Study abroad, or try to get a job out of school that incorporates travel.

"As the economy has changed and the world has gone another direction, those who are thinking ahead will find the new ways," Celente said. "Sending kids overseas gives them a worldview."

Celente cites areas where there's going to be growth: healthcare, hard sciences, sustainable living, agriculture, high technology and the green movement. Yet he stresses literature, art and music as the way to find the true meaning of the human spirit.

"We talk about the possibility of a renaissance. When you go to Florence or Paris and see the beauty the greats created, it's an appreciation for the past and retrofitting it to the future."

Don't despair. This is a time for uniqueness. No one knows what will happen in the future, which is all the more reason to prepare for what could be.

Naresh Vissa, a junior accounting, broadcast journalism and finance major. His column appears weekly, and he can be reached at [email protected].