4 May 1852 – 16 November 1934

I am Alice Pleasance Liddell, though many know me by a different name—the name of a girl who journeyed into Wonderland. As a child, I wandered among the gardens of Christ Church, Oxford, curious and captivated by the world around me. The memories of those days are vivid, almost dreamlike, and I often think of how it felt to walk with Mr. Dodgson, who the world calls Lewis Carroll. It was during one of our boating trips along the River Thames that he first wove the tale of Wonderland—a story born of laughter, sunlight, and my incessant “What happens next?”

My Surroundings

I live in a time where society is strict and refined, yet something whimsical seems to linger in the air, a spirit of change and curiosity. In Victorian England, our lives are shaped by formality and tradition, yet underneath this veneer lies a sense of adventure. My family’s home is one of order, with lush gardens, corridors bathed in soft candlelight, and rooms filled with the scent of books and ink. I grew up surrounded by scholars and clergymen, steeped in a world that values intellect but often disregards the imagination. It was perhaps the contrast of Mr. Dodgson’s stories that made his world of Wonderland seem all the more magical.

Emotions and Dreams

Growing up with such a tale attached to me has been both a wonder and a weight. I have become the “Alice,” and yet I am my own person, not merely a figment of a story. There is a certain longing within me, a desire to live freely, yet I am bound by societal expectations. As a woman in this era, I am expected to be proper, poised, and to fulfill my role without fuss. My adventures now take place within a quieter world—the world of marriage, motherhood, and memory.

Though the years have passed, I still feel a connection to the wonder of that time, to a life imagined, where impossible things happened before breakfast. There is a part of me that always seeks a touch of whimsy, a reminder that even within the constraints of adulthood, we can find ways to dream, to question, to wander.

Human Connection in My Era

In Victorian society, we are deeply connected, yet constrained. We live by the dictates of etiquette, letters, and gatherings; our worlds are ruled by quiet conversations over tea and the structure of class and order. Yet there is a warmth here, a sense that beneath the formalities, people share deep ties. We are, in a way, bonded by these unspoken rules, finding ways to express our true selves within the boundaries laid before us.

A Reflection for Startups Today: Lessons from Wonderland

In this era, much like in Wonderland, curiosity and wonder are often seen as frivolous. Yet, they are the very qualities that can breathe life into even the most conventional world. For startups, there are lessons hidden in Wonderland—lessons about innovation, play, and resilience.

• Embrace Curiosity
  In Wonderland, it was my curiosity that led to discovery. For a startup, curiosity is essential. It’s the drive to explore new paths, question assumptions, and discover novel solutions. Encourage your team to ask “What if?” and “Why not?” Curiosity leads to innovation and keeps your business fresh and forward-thinking.
• Adapt to Change
  Wonderland is a place of constant change. The rules shift, and characters defy expectations. Startups too exist in ever-changing environments. Adaptation is key, and flexibility can be the difference between success and failure. Just as I learned to accept Wonderland’s unpredictable nature, startups must be prepared to embrace change.
• Think Beyond the Ordinary
  Wonderland is a world of impossibilities, but within it, impossible things become real. Similarly, startups should strive to break the boundaries of the ordinary, challenging norms and creating products that surprise and captivate. Creativity and vision are crucial—think boldly, even when it feels impractical.
• Foster a Strong Team Culture
  Wonderland’s characters may seem chaotic, but each plays a role in creating its unique tapestry. In a startup, every member brings something valuable. Foster an environment where individuality is celebrated and collaboration is encouraged. A strong culture allows each person’s strengths to shine, creating resilience and unity.
• Stay Resilient Amidst Uncertainty
  In Wonderland, I encountered riddles, challenges, and peculiar creatures, but I learned to persevere. Startups will face obstacles too. The journey may be challenging, but resilience and belief in the vision will carry you through.

In the end, just as I carry Wonderland within me, let your startup carry a spirit of adventure and curiosity. Seek to inspire, to build with both whimsy and purpose. In a world where convention often dominates, dare to create your own Wonderland—a place where innovation thrives and imagination knows no bounds.