Monday, March 16, 2015

More thoughts about success.

Success

Formula for success: rise early, work hard, strike oil.”
J. Paul Getty

J. Paul Getty was at one time, the world's richest man. He did rise early, work hard and strike oil. He invested most of his fortune in fine art, all of which is now housed in the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. He was bold and audacious, saying such things as. “The meek shall inherit the earth, but not its mineral rights,” and, “Money is like manure. You have to spread it around or it smells.” But he also had a serious understanding of the true meaning of success; “You cannot further the Brotherhood of Man by encouraging class hatred.”

When we read that quote at the top of the page, we tend to skip over rise early, work hard, and go straight to strike oil. In truth, if your goal is to amass a fortune, oil is convenient, but not necessary. I know of a couple of people who started businesses in their homes and now rule virtual empires—check out Alabama Chanin, and Sister Schubert's—both Alabama women who took a passion and made it a life. I happen to agree with them that necessity is the mother of invention—sometimes you have to decide whether to sink or swim, and then swim like sharks are snapping at your toes.

In this world, quality is still appreciated, you get further by treating people well, and kindness is usually reciprocated. Maybe I'm naive, but I still believe that with determination and hard work, the meek will inherit the earth and its mineral rights!

                                                           In the Spirit,
                                                               Jane



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