Allow me to propose a notion: There has never been a better time to live. Oh, it is true the world is presenting alarming challenges at increasing frequency and severity. Events such as 9/11, mounting concerns in the Middle East, and myriad other regional and cultural conflicts, as well as the daily pressures to be ever more productive, raise healthy families, and lead meaningful lives, all are good cause to challenge my proposition.

But man's knowledge is said to be doubling in the next five years! Advances in medicine and technology are boggling. The places we YPO'ers call home are good places to live. We have incredible access and engaging, articulate friends. We have financial means and we have an indomitable spirit. We are among the very fortunate.

Yes, we are under tremendous pressure. But can it not be said that we are, ourselves, the greatest source of the stresses we endure? Some great person once said "Happiness is a choice".

When you step back for a moment to ponder this, won't you consider that now is the most incredible time in history to be alive?

Recognizing our good fortune, we also recognize the responsibility that comes with it. In fact, YPO has a new moniker, "YPO changes the lives of the people who change the world". Viva La Life!, or Viva! as we have come to know it, will guide you on this path of discovery. Come spend a few days with our intensely passionate group in Las Vegas to reflect deeply on who we are and how we might lead our world to be a better place. I promise, your inner landscape will never be the same.

--John "JP" Pujol
(Santa Monica Bay)
Conference Chair