Good morning, Team! It’s Friday!

I took a couple of weeks off for Spring Break and getting back on the horse is … not so easy.

I find inspiration in a number of places; a sticky sentence in a book, a good sermon, an interesting conversation with bright or controversial people. The guy that sat next to me at the coffee shop today might inspire a message on chronic halitosis. Does no one give him honest feedback? While tempted, I know it would simply be rude. I digress…

I started reading a new book on the fourth quarter of life the other night. The word intentionality struck me and inspired me to share thoughts, so here it is.

Let’s start with how ChatGPT lays it out:

Intentionality refers to the capacity of the mind to be directed toward something—such as an object, thought, or state of affairs. It is a fundamental concept in philosophy of mind and cognitive science, often associated with the way mental states (such as beliefs, desires, and perceptions) are about or represent things beyond themselves.

The term originates from medieval Scholastic philosophy but was revitalized by Franz Brentano in the 19th century, who used it to distinguish mental phenomena from physical ones. According to Brentano, all mental states are characterized by their “aboutness”—for example, thinking about a tree, wanting a drink, or fearing the future.

In contemporary discussions, intentionality is explored in various ways:

• Philosophy of Mind: How mental representations relate to the external world.

• Cognitive Science: How intentional states are realized in the brain or artificial systems.

• Phenomenology: How consciousness is always directed toward something, as emphasized by Edmund Husserl.

• Artificial Intelligence: Whether machines can possess genuine intentionality or merely simulate it.

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I’ll take Cognitive Science for 1000, Alex.

I always saw it as a focus on a state of affairs. It could be your marriage, your career, or raising your children where you never lose sight of what is most important to achieve the goal you set out for yourself. Was it survive, thrive or dominate?

Was it sustainability? To be loved? To do the right thing? Or was it stay out of jail?

What is your intention?

What are you doing, with intentionality?

How is that working?

Who do you look to for advice regarding staying on track or shifting your intentions?

If you are hyper-focused on a singular goal, no matter how noble, you might consider lifting your head occasionally or checking in with a trusted advisor.

Have a blessed weekend!

Eric