Sad but true!
I ran across this and found it so poignant, that I had to share it with you all. After reading this, let me know how you take the central topic into consideration in managing your business:
An Obituary printed in the London Times – Interesting and sadly rather true.
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:
– Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
– Why the early bird gets the worm;
– Life isn’t always fair;
– and Maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.
It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.
Common Sense took a beating when you couldn’t defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.
Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.
He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;
I Know My Rights
I Want It Now
Someone Else Is To Blame
I’m A Victim
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. Hope you still remember him.
Everything you mention is amazingly real and troubling. What I find particularly disturbing is the fact that our younger generation of business leaders aren’t aware of what they have lost. They have only been exposed to the way it is now.
I am not a particularly well educated person (degree-wise) but I’ve always prided myself in having a good bit of old fashioned common sense. I’ve used that in my business dealings very successfully.
“Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You” (The Golden Rule) and Mark Twain’s words, “Always Do Right. It will gratify some and amaze others,” are the two mantras that direct my business dealings.
Admitting, “I made a mistake” or “It was my fault”, goes a long way to build customer confidence. Be responsible for your actions and stop blaming everyone around you for poor results. My clients trust me and I work hard to deserve that trust. Success just seems to happen when you deal with integrity.
Sorry Ken, I think I went longer than your original article but you hit a nerve. I am passionate about the lack of common sense in today’s society.
[Reply]
Ken Reply:
January 26th, 2010 at 12:01 am
You are absolutely correct Al in your assessment of today’s young entrepreneur. They only know how it is NOW. Fortunately, most of our young entrepreneur’s that subscribe to my Tip of the Week are the exception to the rule. They are the future.
[Reply]
My boss Ed & I loved Sad but true! You’re right about the exception to the rule.
[Reply]
Ken Reply:
January 26th, 2010 at 10:28 pm
I’m glad you agree Dan.
[Reply]
Ken this made me laugh in astonishment because the way you redacted this was really clever. What was really ironic is that I’m aware of the coffee incident and the you-can’t-beat-the-robber-in-your-own-home. I definately agree with you because indeed companies and corporations have lost all common sense and aren’t really using their heads. This is really great and really informative.
[Reply]
Ken Reply:
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:50 am
I think the lack of common sense is likely to grow as more and more laws are passed.
[Reply]