Random Thoughts

Rapid, as opposed to slow, decline possesses the advantage of swiftly clarifying the situation. I'm embarrassed to admit that it took years for me to appreciate the immense talent of Edward G. Robinson. Bookstores should have a Depressing Literature section so we'd know to avoid it. One lingering lesson from Army "escape and evade" training: Movement gets noticed. Good leaders know what to remember and what to forget. A flimsy excuse is easier to spot than a brilliant explanation. You are never too old to make a flat-out stupid decision. Aside from general experience, the biggest advantage the old have over the young is that they have been in both camps. If you could take only one "time travel" trip, would it be to the future or the past? You can tell a lot about an organization by learning how many mediocre executives are tolerated. A common ruse is to cloak a questionable action with boldness. Some equate wealth with virtue, others equate victimhood, and both are wrong. With the right experience you can acquire a formidable type of intuition. Never hire anyone who is abusive to the powerless. We would be a better society if more people read Dickens, Trollope, and Twain. Elementary schools should discuss heroism as much as they do environmentalism. One of the mysteries of fashion is why so many people wear uncomfortable shoes. Although it can be boring, you seldom regret being sober, reliable, and thoughtful. Distance from people and nature can produce hidden injuries. Selfless service is the wisest calling and it can be found in a soup kitchen or an executive suite.