Seth flags this short film about this amazing project. Watch it. Seriously.

P.S. Seth also has some interesting thoughts on what this film tells us about the book industry.

38 Responses to “This might be the best 11 minutes you’ll spend today.”

  1. Mike Wagner says:

    I totally “get” Caine.

    One summer I spent making forts out of wooden orange crates (yes they use to be made out of wood). Kids lined up in my neighborhood to play in them.

    Thanks for sharing this!

  2. Jon says:

    This is the kind of story that gives me great hope for the future. If you build it, they will come.

  3. Nezih G. says:

    What an amazing story – not only about such a great kid, with the deepest of conviction and optimism but also really about how innovation runs deep in the nature of human kind no matter how old we are! The only force pulling it back is ourselves and our fears of vulnerability…

  4. Pat says:

    great video. What a great kid. I remember when my own son created a puppet stage out of the refrigerator box that came with our new fridge. No one would take back the box and before I could cut it up, it had become a puppet theater. That theater lasted three years and all the kids on the block came to watch the shows.

  5. Cathy says:

    What a great story and a kid who will definitely be one to watch. A true example of following your passion, and how it ideas succeed when your supported by people who care. Thanks for sharing!

  6. Jon Sooy says:

    Saw this a few days ago.

    Caine is brilliant.

    His father deserves major credit for giving his son the freedom to be remarkable.

    It would be interesting to check back with Caine in 10 years and see if our public school system succeeds in it’s never ending quest to make him/us color within the lines.

  7. gina rudan says:

    I’m sitting in tears after watching this amazing story. What determination, passion, creativity and pure practical genius at its best. Cain reminds me of my son Lucas who was recently diagnosed with sensory integration disorder. He has a challenge reading but can build alien city for hours. Here’s to supporting young boys and their ability create something out of nothing.

    • Daniel says:

      Gina,

      Are you looking into Montessori schools for Lucas? They are very effective for children with sensory disorders.

      Contact me if you would like to discuss further.

      Daniel

    • Lee says:

      I was also in tears. Not only the best thing I saw all day, but possibly the most memorable 11 minutes of the year.

      Coincidentally, I was a Montessori kid. The experience shaped my entire academic and professional career (I’m in my late 20s for what it’s worth). I hope you find something that works for you and your son!

  8. Charlie says:

    What a wonderful story. It makes anyone who’s ever “bought a customer” want to cry while at the same time bringing hope and encouragement! Well done!

  9. ruth says:

    Awesome video! So excited to see kids do this. His Dad gets kudos from me for allowing him the chance to use his imagination.

  10. Gretchen says:

    My nephew does this same thing. He’s had lemonade stands, forts in the trees, and his own “office.” His latest idea is to raise chickens. His parents have been great to support him and the rest of the family has pitched in, too. He now calls himself a “chick magnet.”

    I agree with Ruth. Kudos to Caine’s dad and all the parents out there who support their kids and their dreams.

  11. Incredible story. I watched it with my kids. Powerful to watch and to reflect on what life is all about.

  12. Awesome!! He’ll be looking for his first round of funding right about the time I’ll have my VC firm established.

    Without a doubt, Caine will definitely create something that will propel our society.

  13. mary says:

    Daniel, so pleased that you gave a nod to Montessori schools. I’ve been a Montessori teacher since the early 1970’s and know what a wonderful philosophy it is that encourages and speaks to the strenths of each child.

  14. Lisa Lomas says:

    Children are so creative, we need to see more Caines.

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  16. Sophie says:

    Wow! What an amazing little guy! Such self-belief and imagination. So glad he got to feel proud of himself.

  17. Bradford says:

    I had a hard time wiping the smile off my face and the tears from my eyes at the same time. As an educator, I truly believe that all of our students have this creativity in them and it is on our shoulders to find ways to allow them to discover it, express it, learn from it, and feel valued because of it.

  18. Chad Gleaves says:

    I hope to raise children with this kind of work ethic and ingenuity so im taking notes and pray I can impart this to my 3.5 year old. 🙂

  19. Robert says:

    The joy on Caines face when he realises that all this people have come to play his arcade is something to behold 🙂

  20. Jane says:

    What I find most amazing is that Caine’s father allowed him to struggle. He did not call the relatives to “come by” and play the game to make Caine “feel better”. He did not offer suggestions or tell him how to improve. He allowed him to find his own way.

    I work in a school district and I see how many parents never allow their children to struggle. Kids never develop coping skills and do not understand what it takes to pick yourself up, brush yourself off and start all over again!

  21. Love the video, Canes Arcade. It makes me stop and wonder about all the ideas we never get around to really doing something with.

    Last fall, I took that step to put forth an idea on putting a human face on all the statistical malaise about the economy we get through the news. That painful labor of love ended up being “Waiting for Change” (http://www.amazon.com/Waiting-Change-Impacts-family-reality/dp/1469970945/ref=lp_B0070ZZDZU_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1335339263&sr=1-2)

    It’s amazing what we can do when we are just let go to be our true selves and allowed to create with abandon, with no “labels” and no boxes things have to fit into.

    Thanks for Sharing this Daniel!

  22. John Smith says:

    Made me cry – how remarkable!

  23. Bob says:

    What an amazing video/story. I agree that Caine is destined for greatness. Amazing what persistence and patience can produce. His Dad is quite extraordinary as well.

    We can all learn alot from kids like Caine

  24. Jen says:

    Caine said “And I was proud.” Made my heart grow 10x.

    What an astonishing kid!!

  25. Greg says:

    Preach on!

  26. Esther says:

    So refreshing to see a child using their creativity to develop something with a purpose, instead of just sitting in front of a computer or TV! Kuddo’s to dad for encouraging the project.

  27. Kerry says:

    We need more of Caine and less of iPhone, Android, X-box and any other ‘modern’ games for children.

  28. A beautiful story a truly remarkable young man, i shed buckets watching this story …if only adults could dream like this young man how happy would they be

  29. Henry says:

    What a great story, it shows the power of modern media can be used for something good, even if its just making a kid feel good about him self.

  30. Robin says:

    Terrific story and Caine is an amazing kid.

  31. Bob says:

    Glad to see I’m not the only one touched by Caine. I also couldn’t agree more with the comments about his dad. I hope I do as much for my children.

  32. Mark says:

    Cain had a vision! It was a joy to see Cain’s family enabled that vision to become his reality. Cain hopefully one day will enable someone else’s vision. Great story – Thank you!

  33. Henri Quin says:

    This really was a truly inspiring and fun video . Thankyou for that Daniel Pink.