What Comes After What Comes Next

By: David DiamondTue Dec 18, 2007 at 5:42 PM

Watts Wackers says you can see the future. All you have to do is look differently -- and different. That's why you'll find him panhandling in New York City, riding the range in Montana, busing tables at Taco Bell.

Which is what Wacker is banking on as he hops in a car, heads to a plane, and begins another long journey to observe the present and forecast future. He says goodbye by telling a story:

"A traveler encounters the Buddha on the road and asks him. 'Are you a deity?' Buddha says no. 'Are you a saint?' Buddha says no. 'Are you a prophet?' Buddha says no. Exasperated, the traveler says: 'Then what are you?' Buddha answers: 'I'm awake.'"

Says Wacker: "I get paid to be awake."

David Diamond (ddiamond@well.com) writes on business and social issues from Sausalito, California.