Diversity

“I am not entitled to have an opinion unless I can state the arguments against my position better than the people who are in opposition. I think that I am qualified to speak only when I’ve reached that state.” - Charlie Munger, Vice Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway

The original meaning of the word “epic” is not an adjective to describe “bigger than, greater than, king of the hill, master of the universe.” It means a long form story of “derring do” – daring to do and daring to be. And stories are important. It turns out we don’t live in our lives or our relationships.

When I was 25 and finishing up a temp job at a large brokerage firm, I asked the man I had been assisting if he would answer a few questions. The industry intrigued me, but I didn’t know how to get started so I asked for his suggestions.

As I see the commercials for Wakanda Forever, Black Panther 2 movie (a just-released sequel to the 6th highest-grossing superhero film of all-time), I immediately think of the extraordinary experience those of us had a few weeks ago at the first-ever Black Modern Elders workshop.

Chip wrote a Wisdom Well post a few weeks ago about Ruth Marcus’ Washington Post op-ed on ageism and sexism. I understand his compassionate thinking but I wanted to offer an alternative point of view. In so doing, I shall turn to that most trusted of sources – Bazooka bubblegum.

With this Op-Ed headline, Washington Post columnist Ruth Marcus’ September 1 story led to nearly 6,000 comments on the Post site in just a couple of days (and thousands more on social media).

He was a wealthy, retired investment banker in his mid-40s who had a lot of money but little purpose. She was a wise social worker in her early-60s who was filled with purpose but had little money.

The Way It Is, By William Stafford

Long ago, I planned to move to San Francisco upon graduating from business school. Over lunch on April 24, 1984, one of my favorite professors told me to seek out the “movers and shakers” in town. Fifteen minutes later, we experienced a 6.2-level earthquake. The movers and shakers were clearly seeking me!