A Dream of a Modern Day Oz

By: Jean Houston Ph.D.

Narrated by: Justine Willis Toms

Get ready for a whirlwind tour of the authentic American myth of The Wizard of Oz. In this interview, Jean Houston answers the question of what it means to have a brain, a heart, and to act with courage. Using the characters of the scarecrow, tin man, lion, and Dorothy, she inspires us to follow our deep yearning so we can develop the gifts we recognize in ourselves, live our full potential, and contribute to a better world. She talks about how myth is encoded into our DNA and human intelligence, and how myths can help us to find our "yellow brick road of spiritual pollen." She points out that including “the arts” in school curriculum is important in developing our highest human capacities, including social artistry and expansion of our usefulness in society.

Jean Houston is a visionary thinker, teacher, and philosopher who pioneered the Human Potential Movement and established the Social Artistry leadership model that she used in her work with the United Nations Development Programme. She is the author of nearly thirty books including A Mythic Life, A Passion for the Possible, and The Wizard of Us: Transformational Lessons From Oz.

©2012 New Dimensions Foundation (P)2012 New Dimensions Foundation

Amazing interview

Interview of Jean Houston about her book, "The Wizard of Us." I'll never think of Oz in the same way. Inspiring!

I wasn't familiar with Houston before but will definitely look into her writings and talks.

Dream of a Modern Day Oz

I always love Jean Houston's oratory skills, and this conversation is full of examples. She is able to remind us that when we draw deep on our courage especially in service of a collective cause we find talents we didn't know we had.

Why self-development? Jean Houston explains.

Jean Houston explains ideas succinctly and clearly, never condescendingly, and I draw great inspiration from that. Justine Willis Toms keeps the conversation moving at just the right pace for absorbing the ideas and never losing interest. This is an enjoyable and entertaining, as well as enlightening interview. I recommend it for anyone interested the how and why of self-development.