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Mike was the quiet one of these old men. On the days when he was “running the show” they called him “Mikey,” and although he would protest … he liked it. Mike had never graduated from high school, and his five children were not allowed to fail where he thought he had. He had been driving a county trash truck for most of his adult life.
From their "dad," though, they learned that it isn’t the job that matters so much as how well you do the job.
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Character Building by Booker T. Washington was published in 1902. This is one review from the southern city of Richmond, Virginia.
“Indeed, there is sound advice in it for the reading of white men as well as black.” The Richmond Virginia Times, August 31, 1902 I want you to get it firmly fixed in your minds that books, industries, or tools of any character, no matter how thoroughly you master them, do not within themselves constitute education.
The end of all education, whether of head or hand or heart, is to make an individual good, to make him useful, to make him powerful; is to give him goodness, usefulness and power in order that he may exert a helpful influence upon his fellows. Booker T. Washington, Building Character, 1902 Words of wisdom such as these from Mr. Washington cross racial boundaries through their intelligence, insight, selflessness, and concern for all mankind. Such words are inspirations and the foundations upon which to build a hopeful society—a truly educated society. Peter E. Greulich
If there is one person more than another who is to be pitied, it is the individual who is all heart and no head.
Booker T. Washington, Character Building, 1902 This short paragraph by Booker T. Washington reminds me of the old adage about, "Give a hungry man a fish and you feed him for but a day; teach a hungry man 'how to fish' and you feed him and his family for a lifetime." In both of these cases there is heart involved, but in the latter case there is not only a "willingness of heart" but a "development and strengthening of mind" in the understanding of human nature. We have to find the balance to our compassion for our fellow human beings: Letting strong minds guide our hearts in doing what is best for each individual. Peter E. Greulich
Unity does not come from laws or charters or treaties.
When was the last time we heard a presidential candidate talk about the need for individual character, individual good behavior and accepting personal responsibility for an individual's actions? Shouldn't our presidential candidates set the example for such important traits? Is that why those who exhibit such irresponsible actions make us feel so divided as a country . . . when they, themselves, exhibit so little character, good behavior, and responsibility . . . whether in our leadership positions . . . or out on our streets? To men and women of character, the means by which we achieve an end matters. We can make "unity" exist again: through character, good behavior and responsibility. Peter E. Greulich
"The true leader of a nation, a private enterprise or a family realizes that the success of his leadership is dependent upon the growth and development of those whom he leads. ...
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Peter E. GreulichPete 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 he has read with links to articles and book reviews on this website. Archives
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