Privileges and principles
October 6, 2008
The international financial and economical crisis is changing the world. I am still wondering what is going to happen next. Many questions and only few answers so far from my part.
But while finding our way out of this mess and repairing our economical, social and environmental compass I think we can find some inspiration in a statement that Dwight D. Eisenhower made in his Inaugural Address on January 20, 1953. He said:
”A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both”
Isn’t this what has happened? Didn’t many people and companies, especially in the West, value their privileges (for example income, consumption levels, living standards) higher than their values (stewardship, inclusion, equal opportunities for all)? Is this (part of) the reason that the system seems to be collapsing and has to be recalibrated? I think these are the kind of questions that need attention soon.
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The quote has been taken out of context. Its not about money. ITs about freedom and liberty. "We must be ready to dare all for our country. For history does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid. We must acquire profici