This cover photo was taken at Matsumoto Castle, located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. I took it in June 2025; it was the last day of a 5 day Nakasendo walk along the Kiso Valley. I was attracted by this view because the narrow window framed the outdoor gardens so beautifully. I chose this picture to represent the post today because despite its attractiveness, it is dangerous to believe a framed view that someone presents to you as the whole truth.
I used to think Simon Squibb was superficial with his question, “Do you have a dream?”, which he throws at unsuspecting people on the street.
It especially irked me when someone told him they couldn’t chase their dreams yet because they needed to go to university first. Most of the time, Simon shot back that they could just start immediately since “university doesn’t get you to your dream!” As a university professor, scholar, and teacher, that really got under my skin. It felt like cheap clickbait, and it sent the wrong message.
So, when I picked up his book “Do You Have a Dream?” to prepare for a course for first-time entrepreneurs, I was surprised to find myself hooked. I started to see his question differently, and maybe even Simon too.
“Do you have a dream?” isn’t just an empty clickbait. It’s an invitation to reflect. The magic is that the question will likely linger in the minds of those being asked, even after a very long time. Even if someone makes mistakes chasing that dream, say, skipping university, they’ll keep pondering what their dream truly is and what it really takes to get there.
That said, I still have a bone to pick with Simon.
As an influencer, he carries significant responsibility. Words shape choices. They shouldn’t “cause others to stumble.” It reminds me of the story where Jesus instructed Peter to catch a fish and look for a coin in its mouth to pay temple tax for them both. He did so not because he agreed with the tax, but because he didn’t want to send the wrong message (Matthew 17: 24-27). Sometimes it’s less about being right and more about being careful with the optics.
I believe university education matters.
Whether it helps someone achieve their dream is a separate conversation. To say, “You don’t need to go to university to realise your dream” is careless. It’s not just untrue for many, it may risk misleading those still figuring out their path.