For 25 years I have delivered a “Thanksgiving Day Address” to my family and friends who gather at my home on this special American holiday that glorifies our nation as a land of opportunity, of sharing, of plenty. This year my Thanksgiving address focused on the world my granddaughters were born into. With the births of Francesca and Madeleine, 2014 was a pivotal year for the Rock family. Will it be a pivotal one, perhaps a turning point, or even an inflection point, for the world?
In general, Francie and Maddy are coming into an unsettled world. I highlighted some of the “bright patches” as well as some of the “dark clouds” that are swirling around our planet. The former include a recovering U.S. economy, energy independence, heightened inclusion, greater tolerance, scientific breakthroughs, increasing life expectancy, and more opportunities for women. The latter include terrorism (notably ISIS), Russian aggression, global warming, Ebola outbreak, cyber warfare, government gridlock, and income inequality.
As Francie and Maddy grow up they will need to make choices. I offered them some suggestions:
• Always a good place to begin is with the “Golden Rule”: “Treat others as you would want them to treat you.”
• Marry the right person, someone who can grow with you. The choice of a lifelong partner is the most important decision you will make. Their parents and grandparents made the right decisions, and their lives were infinitely improved.
• Get a great education.
• Embrace change: test new ideas, try new things, go to new places.
• Take responsibility for your life by accepting personal accountability, self-reliance and hard work.
• Pursue occupations, community service, and social activities you are passionate about so that you get up each morning excited to go to work, to serve the community, and to participate in sports and recreational pastimes.
• Be a global citizen. The world is vast, and life is more fulfilling when you recognize your opportunities and obligations presented by a planet with 9.6 billion inhabitants by 2050.
• Born into privilege, you have an obligation to give back to the broader society. Commit your time and your resources to civic institutions, charitable organizations, and social causes you feel can make a difference.
I ended my Thanksgiving address with the hope and conviction that America’s best years lie ahead. With advances in medical sciences, information technologies and energy developments, my children and grandchildren should have the opportunity to live longer, more comfortably, and with greater security. Combined with guts, hard work, and imagination they can apply their talents and
resources to creating a future that will live up to their hopes and dreams.