Meeting |
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Report |
Meeting |
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Report |
December 14, 1999 |
| Click here for photos of this Meeting | |
| OUR FUTURE LEADERS | |
 DON C. STEGER
|
 JAMES H. WOODWARD |
| Our guest
speaker, philanthropist Bruce Parker, challenged our perspectives with a new brand
of inquisition. His declaration was deeply probing when raising the question "How
much do you need?" Answers vary to this question.
The industrialist John D. Rockefeller answered once by saying "a little more than I have now." Interestingly, Rockefeller was the richest man in the world at that time. Bruce Parker's answer to the same question is "a lot less than I have now." Each of these men is worthy of a legacy, yet their paths are distinctly different. Bruce's legacy involves sharing all he deems non-essential, while Rockefeller's direction was financial growth. Darwin would have enjoyed a conversation with these two at the table. The method and message of Bruce Parker is purposeful in manner. He speaks of his efforts in a philosophical way. He asked three questions introspectively: "What is my responsibility to those who request my help?" "What do I believe?" and "What do I do?" They all must be answered in harmony. Once while teaching a sixth-grade class at Covenant Presbyterian Church, Bruce gave various students a penny, a nickel, a dime, a quarter, or a dollar. After handing out the money, he noticed the reaction of the children. Those with the dollar were ecstatic, and those with the small change were upset. Each of those children judged their gift in comparison to the gift of another. The moral of the story to these children was that all of them had more than they originally started with. It is human nature to compare what we have with someone else. Why? Adam Smith, the great Scottish economic philosopher, actually wrote two books. His "Wealth of Nations" is the most important treatise on political economy in history, and profoundly influenced our free market economic system. Prior to its publication in 1776, he wrote "The Theory of Moral Sentiments," which begins in the very first chapter, entitled "Of Sympathy," with the following observation:
* * * |
Later Smith adds:
Bruce Parker has firm convictions, and is a man trying to make a difference. Our great city is a beneficiary of his benevolence. President Worth called the meeting to order. Rick Jackson followed with the day's news. Andy Zoutewelle introduced visiting Rotarians and guests. Chuck Lineberry in harmony with spoons clanging on water glasses sang "Jingle Bells." Charlene Kammerer led the invocation, and was followed by Tom Burgess and the votes of the nominating committee: Officers for 2001-2002 Jim Woodward—President-Elect Erskine Harkey—Assistant Secretary Catherine Browning—Treasurer Board of Directors 2000-2002 Julian Aldridge Herb Harriss Marilynn Bowler Cynthia Johnslon Dick Klingman Frank Martin The head table consisted of Patricia Baldwin, Bill Furr, John Rogers, Bruce Parker, Worth Williamson, Charlene Kammerer, Rusty Brink, and Jim Kelley. John Rogers introduced our guest speaker with eloquence. * * * |
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Revised: January 24, 2008.
