The More Things Change
Lessons from a letter; character, integrity are so important; 88 years
Today is a short and personal post that certainly goes Beyond Logistics. My father recently mailed me a copy of this letter he found. It resonated, so I had to share. Below is my transcription of the hand-written letter.
“Dear John:
You were born 20 years ago. I was proud of you then, and I have not ceased to be proud. The world in which you reach the age of 20 is a different world from the one that I knew at that age. Whether it is a better world or not I do not know, but certainly it is a more exciting world. It offers, I believe, great opportunities for a satisfying way of life. I do not know how to advise you in this new and exciting world, but there are certain eternal verities:
Character is the most important thing, and character combined with industry will take you far. Common decency – kindness pays; pays you spiritually and in the esteem of men. Do not be afraid of a wholesome show of sentiment – though it is hard for most men (you and me included) to show their feelings. (Thus I can write you things I can’t say to your face.) Love and honor your mother. “This above all: to thine own self be true; thou must not then be false to any man.”
I look forward to seeing you in St. Louis.
Affectionately,
Your Father”
That letter was written by my great-grandfather to my grandfather in August 1934!
But it could easily have been sent today, nearly a century later, from a father to his 20-year-old son. The message is timeless, and it puts into perspective how similar we all are, generation after generation.
The above short but sweet letter stands on its own and packs a punch of wisdom. It was helpful for me to reflect on what he wrote regarding “eternal verities.” No need to dissect and analyze each of them here, but I would add one to the above list. In addition to advice like be kind, maintain personal integrity, and work hard – respect your elders. This was made clear in the reading. Those you see as older were not in the same world you now occupy when they were your age (maybe they were operating in the regulated era!), but they’ve most likely been through what you’re going through in one way or another. And for the elders, when interacting with the younger generation, don’t forget you were there once (just without the cell phone glued to your hand). In my mid-40’s now, I’m squarely in the middle – both a student and a teacher. Roughly half the world is older and half younger. And it’s an exciting world for sure.
To thine own self be true.
About the author: Dave Ross is the proud son of a proud father (and loving mother).