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September 24, 2010
The Professor
I will deliver these remarks at the Atlantic Council dinner in New York City honoring Klaus Schwab, founder and chairman of the World Economic Forum, which I’ve happily attended for the last twelve years.
Dear Professor Schwab,
How to capture the essence of a career of service to the global community? For me, it is three words: Inquiry; Inclusion; and Family.
Inquiry-You are relentless in your pursuit of knowledge. You never are comfortable with accepted wisdom; you challenge every assumption. Your teaching method is similar to the approach of the famous Harvard Professor Louis Agassiz, as "teaching students to see-to observe and compare...to have the student learn to think for himself...to become capable of hard, continuous, original work without the support of the teacher."
Inclusion-You're testament to the power of an individual to change the course of history. In your early and impassioned advocacy of the stakeholder model, you have helped move the world beyond Milton Friedman's contention that the social responsibility of business is to increase its profit. You have set business on a sustainable path, whereby private enterprise is a force for good in society that enhances people’s lives while creating long term shareholder value.
Family-You and Hilde run the Forum as an extension of your family. You are both companions for us in the journey of life, counseling us on business and private matters, always with love and integrity. When I think of Hilde, I’m reminded of Abigail Adams, wife to America's second President and mother to the sixth, whom it was written "Possessing at every period of life the unlimited confidence as well as the affection of her husband. She was admitted at all time to share in his thoughts. She was a friend whom it was his delight to consult in every perplexity of public affairs. Her intuitive judgment was blended with consummate prudence. In the storm as well as the smooth seas of life, her virtues were ever the object of his trust and veneration."
Thank you for your passionate leadership and vision.
Posted by Edelman at September 24, 2010 10:29 AM |
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Comments
Thank you for being a guidance in my life. I am 23 and the woman that is my companion right now displays none of the qualities Abigail lived. Could it be that I'm no John Adams? Like attracts like. I must develop my virtues, then maybe I can help my girl out. Or is it up to her to change? Or should I just leave her and move on to one that I think fits the bill?
I am developing my library daily for the past 2 years and I am at 93 books. My desire for knowledge is insatiable. My quest is unstoppable, I love to read and write. Life is great and getting better all the time.
Nelson Jr.
Posted by: Nelson Jr. at September 25, 2010 1:53 AM