Soundbites

What can business do?

“What can you do as a business manager in the world? I would say you can give people employment. If you give a thousand people, or even 20 people, or five people employment, meaningful employment, you are making a great contribution to this world. What is more destructive of human personality than forced idleness? I would think that one of the great incentives of being in business is to make it possible for some people to live, and to live decently, and live well.” — The late J. Lawrence Burkholder in a keynote address to the 1986 MEDA convention

A day of my life

This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good, but what I do today is important because I am exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place something that I have traded for it. I want it to be gain and not loss; good and not evil; success and not failure, in order that I shall not regret the price I have paid for it. — William David Thompson

Lessons from zebras

Zebras are incredibly intelligent creatures. In some situations, humans could learn a lesson or two from them. When Zebras are tired, they circle round and rest their heads on each other’s shoulders or backs, all facing different directions so they can warn each other of any approaching danger (most likely Simba the lion). They also allow small birds to rest and ride along on their backs. The birds dine on the insects attracted to the zebras, and the zebra is freed of a pest.

There is a metaphor there somewhere about the need for community.

Bull market for diapers

Adult diapers are now outselling baby diapers in Japan, The Atlantic magazine reports.

The aging population is giving birth to a new $800 billion market segment, the silver market.

New products that will likely make their way across the ocean sooner rather than later include smart phones that are easier to hear and engay food — products that are easier to swallow due to use of a gelling agent. ◆

Comments?

Would you like to comment on anything in this magazine, or on any other matters relating to business and faith? Send your thoughts to mstrathdee@meda.org