THINK Again!: Ideas and High Ideals for the 21st Century

Date Published: January 1, 2024
​Date Modified: March 17, 2024

THINK Again!: 20th Century Ideas and High Ideals
for the 21st Century — Overview

THINK Again! 20th Century Ideas and High Ideals for the 21st Century is an anthology of the lead-in editorials written for THINK Magazine by IBM’s traditional founder, Thomas J. Watson Sr.

​Tom Watson wrote these editorials from the magazine’s first issue in June 1935—at 61 years of age—entitled “Introducing THINK,” through his last editorial published in the very month of his death in June 1956—at 82 years of age—entitled “Youth.”

The year 2024 brought the arrival of two events significant in IBM corporate history: (1) the centennial of the renaming of the C-T-R Company to International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) arrived on February 14, 2024; and (2) only three days later, on February 17, 2024, was the sesquicentennial of the birth of Tom Watson Sr., IBM’s traditional founder.

The publication of these 253 editorials was in commemoration of these events with the availability of the paperback version on February 14, 2024 [order here] and the hardcover version on February 17, 2024 [order here].

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Once a month for twenty-one years, Tom Watson introduced each issue of THINK Magazine with his editorial thoughts. They were short and easily read; they were contemplative in nature; and they revealed one of America’s greatest industrialist’s innermost feelings. Usually the title and the topic were identical and straightforward; and they were usually written on a singular theme such as “Service,” “Faith,” or “Fortitude,” or additionally, “Genius,” “Culture,” or “Purpose.” Sometimes, a more intriguing title pulled the reader in such as “The Voice Within,” “The Windows of Our Minds,” or “The Light of Inspiration.”

These editorials were written during times of inspiration but also sometimes—as World War II loomed, desperation. They give the reader a formal glimpse into Watson’s drive and motivations. Reading this industrialist’s thoughts on so many divergent topics, is the first step in understanding Tom Watson as a complete human being—an initial way to understand him beyond his accomplishments as a businessman.

Through this collection of editorials, Tom Watson speaks for himself.

THINK Again!: 20th Century Ideas and High Ideals for the 21st Century
​Preface, Introduction, Prologue, and Tom Watson Insights

Preface

The editorials are grouped into chapters by year with each chapter front-ended with two pages as shown here: a chapter index page with that year’s editorials listed by month and a single page of memorable excerpts from these editorials. If you like to initially skim a book, these yearly chapter indexes populated with a few of a year’s exceptional excerpts are a great place to start.

Preface

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Introduction

Once a month for twenty-one years, Tom Watson introduced each issue of THINK Magazine with his editorial thoughts. These editorials were written during times of inspiration and sometimes—as World War II loomed, desperation. They give the reader a formal glimpse into Watson’s drive and motivations. 

Introduction

Reading Tom Watson's thoughts on so many divergent topics, is the first step in understanding Tom Watson as a complete human being—a way to reach beyond his well-documented record as a businessman.

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Prologue

Since the author did not personally know Thomas J. Watson Sr., it seemed appropriate to let those who knew him describe the character and the demeanor of IBM’s traditional founder in the prologue. To summarize, Tom Watson was known to his friends as a multi-faceted, farsighted man of optimism, humor, vitality, integrity, and dignity.

Some readers will surely be surprised!

Prologue

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Tom Watson Insights

The author has provided a few short synopses of his findings about Tom Watson Sr. in these areas: 

• Further Insights into Watsons's Character
• World War II War Relief Efforts
• Democracy's Man O' War
• Awards for a Life Well-Lived
• Awards for a Life Well-Lived (continued)
• Watson Quotes on Education and Youth

Insights into Tom Watson Sr.

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"A Successful Rebranding"
 the C-T-R Company becomes IBM

Although the C-T-R Company was officially rebranded International Business Machines (IBM) on February 14, 1924, it appears from their national advertising campaigns that Tom Watson and his marketing team were piloting a new brand philosophy as early as 1921.

Rebranding the C-T-R Company as IBM

Notice that in these advertisements, although the "product" that is being sold is either an International Time Recording device, a Dayton Computing Scale, or a Tabulating Machine Company appliance, it is the "International Business Machines" brand that is positioned dominantly.

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