April 4th Quotation

"First secure an independent income, then practice virtue." -- Greek Proverb

The first time I read this quotation it conjured those past times in ancient Greece we've seen portrayed in art where the leaders in their flowing white togas of the city-states are gathered together, discussing and debating what was the best course for their city-state and its citizens. Then, it prompted the image of the well-to-do founding fathers gathered in Philadelphia signing the Declaration of Independence. Next, I thought of the many leaders this country had who came from wealthy families that had a tradition of public service set by those founding fathers. Admittedly, the motives were not always entirely altruistic. Their wives practiced charity, organizing giving to the poor.

And, of course, one always thinks of the corporate raider (or Paris Hilton) who commits all kinds of awful acts to achieve success, gets caught, makes retribution in one way or another, "finds God", and pursues a pious path.

Finally, I thought about how the old model has evolved so quickly to what we have today where "regular, ordinary" people start foundations and work tirelessly to support their causes, lobby for research into rare and not-so-rare diseases, demonstrate for human rights, ecological responsibility, where companies from the first day have a clear corporate social responsibility policy in place and pay their employees to do community work, where everyone wants to "give back." Everyone wants to do good works in gratitude for all they've been given.

We're not doing such a bad job at some things. Give yourself a little pat on the back.

Now, get out there and commit an act of kindness!