What about the relationship between perception and knowledge? A debate that stretches back into antiquity to be sure. Too often we confuse the two without first separating them and then empirically studying facts to attempt to bridge both. In today's fast-paced, consumer society, advertisement does not have the time to find out. Are we in a Dark Age?

Let me stretch this out. Should managers, or people in positions of influence and decision-making be required to be people of knowledge? By this, I do not mean product knowledge. Here, I define knowledge in very simplistic terms. The lack of curiosity is appalling among such individuals.

In other words, if you are a banker, should banks not teach their workers the history of the bank? Too often, there are people in high positions who are woefully inadequate to stimulate meaningful conversation. I once had a manager tell me, "You really know your history, eh?" I don’t know about you, but I expect more from a superior.

This is why movies such as Office Space are cult classics. In the PC Load Letter era, it asks that we rebel against the present structure. The question “Is this good for the company?” should be replaced with “Are we asking the right questions to improve both the worker and company?” One of the more intriguing parts of Office Space is when three workers steal the office fax/printer machine and smash it to bits. It was a Luddite catharsis moment that revealed a lot about the modern workplace.

Alas, who has the time for any of this? Self-improvement in the workplace is somewhat of an oxymoron. Objectives must be met! We must plan to plan, plan, plan! Did you get that memo about the TPS report?

The greatest society is the one that appreciates production of fine quality and remunerates it accordingly. It does seem as though too many drones have access to the capital while those who seek to improve mankind must beg for it.

To return to Citizen Kane, the film has stood the test of time because it was made when social conditions were ripe to accept the film. I can just picture people leaving for Harlem to catch Count Basie after a night of watching Orson Welles. A night out meant fine threads, fine music, and fine food.

Today? Everything is dumbed down in the name of cold comfort. Birdland is dead and nothing has replaced it. This is what went through my head during the movie. I already knew what Rosebud represented.

And my wife still won't let me tear up the place.