Woodrow Wilson's Last WordsThe following summarizes Woodrow Wilson's article "The Road Away From Revolution:" "It must include sympathy and helpfulness and a willingness to forgo self-interest in order to promote the welfare, happiness, and contentment of others and of the community as a whole. "This is what our age is blindly feeling after in its reaction against what it deems the too great selfishness of the capitalistic system." Woodrow Wilson, "The Road Away from Revolution"
0 Comments
A Reincarnated Thought for February 3, 2025Glorifying a lie, legalizing a lie, arming and equipping a lie, consecrating a lie with solemn forms and awful penalties, still makes the lie nothing but a lie. A glorified lie rots a land and corrupts that land's inhabitants; and by-and-by, the white, burning light of truth will eventually shine clear through it and expose it for the lie that it is.
One lie told is an engine that drives onward a whole freight train of deceitfulness … the evil consequences of which no single man and no community can limit. Conversely, speak a kind word, and you do not know how far it may reach in its influence. Today, speak kind words and words of exaltation that elevate good, strong, eloquent individuals in rank, power, and prestige, and their character will be illuminated for others to acknowledge and follow. Doggedly pursue righteousness and steer away from lies and deception. E. H. Chapin thoughts modified, enlarged, adapted and … reincarnated for today. Peter E. Greulich, Author, Publisher and Public Speaker
A Reincarnated Thought for February 2, 2025Wise merchants post their books at night and know the state of their fortunes, while a wise individual at the close of each day also sums up their life's account.
E. H. Chapin thoughts modified, enlarged, adapted and … reincarnated for today. Peter E. Greulich, Author, Publisher and Public Speaker
Abraham Lincoln's Personality: His Personal, Homely Side“There were many angles in Lincoln’s character. That which he showed in the War Department's telegraph office was the personal, homely side as distinguished from the business, political, or literary side. ...
"Lincoln in the Telegraph Office," David Homer Bates, 1907 Select the image above or the link immediately below to read Peter E. Greulich's review and newspaper reviews from 1907 of David Bates' "Lincoln in the Telegraph Office." More reviews of other works about Abraham Lincoln on this website.
Book Review: Mark Sullivan's "The Education of an American"This is an interesting autobiography—only subject to the criticism that it ends all too early. One reviewer stated that it is one-half about Mark Sullivan’s growing up on a farm in early America and one-half about his pursuit of a career in journalism including some of his early accomplishments and early relationships in politics and business.
“As I grew to know him well, the quality in him that most impressed me was his kindness, the deep well of good will that his shyness and reticence hid from many who did not see him in intimacy. It was a good will that was not measured merely by the sum of the pains he took, and the pleasure in being helpful to individuals. … It extended to all humanity; it was an attitude toward all life.” This book is a wonderful read. Select the image above or one of the links below to read more of this individual book review or more about the journalist and reporter: Mark Sullivan.
A Meritocracy Demands Teachable Humility in Leaders and FollowersHumility is associated all too often with obsequiousness—servility, sycophancy, submissiveness and compliance. Yet, one of the most inspiring of America’s political leaders, Abraham Lincoln, was known for his fortitude, self-assuredness, directness … and humility.
While displaying humility, these leaders encouraged assertiveness, discussion, interaction and boldness within their teams. Humility is a character trait needed not just in a leader but in the multitude of followers who monitor, execute and dynamically adapt to a leader’s decisions as conditions change. Individuals of superior mind reserve their treasures—their ideas, for leaders who know how to “reach out in friendly trust and welcome new insights.” Peter E. Greulich, Author and Public Speaker
A Historian Summarizes President William H. Taft's CharacterMark Sullivan, twentieth-century journalist and historian wrote this summary of the character of President William H. Taft: "Taft was not a bad President; he was a good one. He had absolute integrity; he was honest—simply honest, transparently honest.
Four Decades of Crises, Recoveries, and Lessons LearnedUnder Tom Watson Sr.’s leadership, the 20th Century IBM weathered ten major economic declines, three major wars, and four of the six largest declines in U.S. stock market history. And during all this economic, social, and political turmoil, IBM continued to advance through forty-two years of unprecedented technological change.
Tom Watsons’ learning process to achieve these results can be found in three major crises during his tenure as IBM’s traditional founder: (1) The Crisis of 1914-15, (2) The Crisis of 1920-21, and (3) The Crisis of 1933-34 (the trough of the Great Depression). If we find ourselves in difficult economic straits in 2025, this article may help a business leader survive what is coming! Peter E. Greulich, Discerning Readers' Author and Public Speaker
Book Review: "The Life of Robert Fulton and a History of Steam Navigation."“Fulton never claimed to have been the first to suggest steam navigation, but simply to have devised improvements by which it could be successfully accomplished.
Fulton is rarely mentioned in the latter chapters of the book and since I bought this book to acquire some insights into Mr. Fulton, I focused on the first eight chapters—only scanning the last fourteen. Read the review by selecting the image above or the link below. Peter E. Greulich, Discerning Readers Author
A Review of "Friends and Partners: The History of Polio"Unless Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wants his picture taken alongside a new generation of 21st Century children leaning on crutches, rolling along in wheel chairs, or condemned to a life in an iron lung, he might want to read this book first.
Basil O’Connor and the development of the polio vaccine is a positive success story.
This book puts the story out there in an effective and balanced manner. May RFK Jr. read and learn from it! Cheers, - Peter E. An IBM Case Study: Share Buybacks Do Not Work!In 2019, Virginia M. (Ginni) Rometty stopped IBM's share buybacks after a twenty-year run: 1999 through 2019.
A quarter century of IBM Stock Buybacks proves a technology company—and its leadership, should not invest in its own stock.
Is Patriotism Frustration, Fright and Flight … or Fight?Forbes, on November 22, 2024 published: "Ellen DeGeneres Flees U.S. for the U.K. After Trump Win: A New Standard." In July 1903, the McClure’s Magazine editorial staff published this article on “Patriotism.” Although it is now over a century old, it should sound alarm bells for many of us in this election year of 2024.
Peter E. Greulich edited this article and added headings for clarity and readability. As you absorb this article, think of today’s individuals and institutions that need a good dose of patriotism. In 2024, be strong … be of good courage … and display your peaceful, unifying patriotism by refusing to be corrupted by those with unethical compasses that seem to always point south, away from true north. I praise the McClure’s editorial staff for continuing to express these “truths.” The century and year may be different, but the "times" are the same! We should do the same: Do not fly away in frustration, fear or disgust … Do not be discouraged … Be courageous … Be patriotic! Peter E. Greulich, Vietnam-era Veteran, December 2024
Book Review: "The American Red Cross in the Great War"“When the war closed more than thirty million Americans were enrolled in the organization. [This was one out of every three Americans--man. woman and child.] Some of these were in foreign fields; most of them were at home. But, in one way or another, … all of them working together made up the American Red Cross.” H. P. Davison, “The American Red Cross in the Great War”
This was a humbling read. If you are an introspective individual, it will make you question yourself: "What am I doing today to take the burden of war and disaster off the weak or affected?"
Not enough, I believe. - Peter E. Herbert Hoover Defines "American" IndividualismThe following is a review of the book and the publication of the full article--both of which are entitled: "American Individualism." They were written by Herbert Hoover and published in 1922 by Doubleday, Page & Company. It was a book of only 72 pages and six chapters but its introductory chapter was reprinted for decades.
The book "American Individualism" is reviewed at the link provided below. A link is also provided to the full article which was the introduction to this book and also entitled "American Individualism." Enjoy! Peter E. Greulich, November 2024
Charles Francis Adams' Speech: The Boer War vs. The Civil WarThis speech was delivered to the American Antiquarian Society in October, 1901 by Charles Francis Adams, who was the grandson of John Quincy Adams—the 6th President of the United States, and great-grandson of John Adams—the 2nd President of the United States.
Peter E. Greulich has performed some very minor edits to update the language and flow of the text to twenty-first century practices. He has also added the headings and subtitles to assist the reader.
Any mistakes in these areas are his sole responsibility and, if noted, will be corrected. John S. Wise's "The End of an Era" Book ReviewThis is a very enlightening read for anyone that hasn’t truly studied the culture, environment or history of pre-Civil War Virginia. Mr. Wise writes, “In the clay of which I write, Virginia, among the States of the Union, was, in territorial area, second only to Texas.” To a native Texan such as I, this was an unknown insight.
Provided below are links to the following: (1) an overall review of "The End of an Era," (2) an excerpt from the book describing John S. Wise's attendance at a slave auction; (3) an extract from the book describing the military leadership style of General Robert E. Lee; and (4) an extract from the book describing the reaction of Confederate soldiers to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.
Book Review: "Trials of an Inventor: Life and Discoveries of Charles Goodyear."Because I look at life differently, it was hard for me to see some of the positive character traits that the author presented in this biography. Where the author of this book saw strong character traits, I perceived egotism, lack of priorities in life, and an inability to judge the character of his business associates who so often cheated Charles Goodyear of what he was due.
Just as the world needs inventors, it needs industrialists that put those inventions into profitable production. An interesting and very sad biography of an American inventor. Peter E. Greulich, October, 2024
An Insight History Professors Should Read to Their ClassesAs is my method for starting a new book, I read the preface and the last chapter; then I review the table of contents. John S. Wise in the "End of an Era" wrote what appears below in the book's ending chapter entitled, "The End." His words hooked me, as I believe what he wrote every history professor—that truly honors their profession—should read to their classes. Its honesty, openness, maturity, and insights into one's self, make for a wonderful read that can help overcome so many biases when we look into the past in judgement of the actions of others. Peter E. Greulich, October 2024 The Announcement of Lincoln’s Assassination
“However, men ought to be judged for their feelings and their speech by the circumstances of their surroundings: How Do Historians Judge Individuals and Soldiers of the South Today? “For four years we had been fighting. In that struggle, all we loved had been lost. Lincoln incarnated to us the idea of oppression and conquest. We had seen his face over the coffins of our brothers and relatives and friends, in the flames of Richmond, in the disaster at Appomattox. "In blood and flame and torture the temples of our lives were tumbling about our heads. “We were desperate and vindictive, and whosoever denies it forgets or is false. We greeted his death in a spirit of reckless hate, and hailed it as bringing agony and bitterness to those who were the cause of our own agony and bitterness. To us, Lincoln was an inhuman monster, Grant a butcher, and Sherman a fiend. Time taught us that Lincoln was a man of marvelous humanity, Appomattox and what followed revealed Grant in his matchless magnanimity, and the bitterness toward Sherman was softened in subsequent years. “But, with our feelings then, if the news had come that all three of these had been engulfed in a common disaster with ourselves, we should have felt satisfaction in the fact, and should not have questioned too closely how it had been brought about, as we were poor, starved, conquered, despairing; and to expect men to have no malice and no vindictiveness at such a time is to look for angels in human form. “Thank God, such feelings do not last long, at least in their fiercest intensity.” John S. Wise, "End of an Era" My comment would be after sitting and listening to a egotistical University of Texas professor, that it seems to me the “feelings of fiercest intensity” still seem to linger in those who, today, still cast the young soldiers of the Southern Confederacy in a horrible light—maybe such professors think it lifts them higher in the eyes of those to which they preach. To me, such historians are just hoisting themselves on their own petards. Individuals should judge the feelings and speech of others—today and in the past, by (1) the circumstances of their surroundings, and (2) how those thoughts, feelings and words change over time with the acquisition of age—and hopefully additional information and wisdom. Peter E. Greulich, October 21, 2024
Comparing Homeward Journeys for Union and Confederate SoldiersIda M. Tarbell wrote two articles that captured what it was like for Union and Confederate Soldiers to return home at the end of the Civil War. She wrote and published these in McClure's Magazine in March and April of 1901, respectively. These are highly detailed and lengthy articles that are intended for those who want their thought processes about the end of the Civil War challenged by a balancing perspective on the conditions in the North and South. It is a striking contrast. Select the appropriate image below. Lincoln's Snake Story: The Need to Stop Slavery's Spread
“ 'If I saw a poison snake crawling in the road, I’d kill it with the first thing I could grab; but if I found it in bed with my children, I’d be mighty careful how I touched it for fear I’d make it bite the children. If I found it in bed with somebody else’s children I’d let them take care of it; but if I found somebody putting a whole batch of young snakes into an empty bed where mine or anybody’s children was going to sleep pretty soon, I’d stop him from doing it if I had to fight him.' "Perhaps he didn’t say ‘fight him,’ but somehow I always tell that story that way because I know I would and so would he or you or anybody. That was what it was all about when you come down to it. They was trying to put a batch of snakes [slavery] into an empty bed that folks was going to sleep in. "Before I heard that story I had heard Lincoln say a hundred times, setting right there in that chair, where you are, 'Boys, we’ve got to stop slavery or it’s going to spread all over this country,' but, somehow, I didn’t see it before. "Them snakes finished me. "Then I knew he’d got it right." Ida M. Tarbell, He Knew Lincoln and Other Billy Brown Stories
Book Review: "The Future of the American Negro"This is the seventh book of Booker T. Washington’s that I have read from cover-to-cover. I have offered my insights into each with “Press Reviews of the Day,” selected excerpts from each book, and finally, my own thoughts. A chronological listing of Booker T. Washington’s books along with links to their individual reviews is published on this website: Booker T. Washington’s Home Page.
Peter E. Greulich, October 2024
Southern Courage and Patience After the Civil WarAt the end of the Civil War the majority of the leading men of the South supported General Robert E. Lee's and General Wade Hampton's belief that the southern states needed their support more than ever. The story of the self-control these disbanded men exhibited when they reached their homes; the stories of their courage, their patience, and their efforts, forms one of the finest chapters of heroism in the History of the United States.
IBM Employees Are Not Buying Into What IBM Is SellingKaren Langley of the Wall Street Journal wrote an article that "Corporate Insiders Are Sitting Out the 2024 Stock-Market Rally." This is an article that documents that employees at IBM have been "sitting out" purchasing IBM stock for decades. In the words of Ms. Langley aren't such individuals "some of the best-informed investors" that "don’t seem to share the optimism." By 2020, while IBM’s full-time headcount had increased by almost 40% the number of shares purchased by its employees had fallen by 90%. Isn't a more accurate measurement of the true value of an individual corporate stock--more than an executive measurement--the value a corporation's employees place on the company? Choose the image below to read the full article documenting this information.
NCR Corporation: A Needed Corporate RebootJohn H. Patterson, founder of the National Cash Register Corporation (NCR), had a business restart moment. When he started the NCR Corporation, he viewed his workers like many of the industrialists of his day.
What is "It?" "It" is an object lesson as applicable today as it was then. Select Image Above or Icon Below to Read Full Article.
A View from Beneath the Dancing ElephantIf Lou Gerstner’s Who Says Elephants Can’t Dance? is the yang, Peter E. Greulich's A View from Beneath the Dancing Elephant is the yin--that quintessential opposing and balancing force.
Choose the icon below to read the preface for "A View from Beneath the Dancing Elephant." Peter E. Greulich, Author
|
Peter E. GreulichPeter E. has been studying IBM and early American corporate history since his retirement in 2011. These are his thoughts and musings, and of those whose biographies and autobiographies he has read with links to articles and book reviews on this website. Contact the author directly.
|