War on business
There is a lot of talk in the media today about the issue business and capitalism. Make no mistake when there is a major discussion about capitalism that discussion is really including business in general. Currently there has been a major attack on capitalism. We need to pull our heads out of the sand and look at the books coming out on bookshelves and what some (who are financially well off) are saying about capitalism.
There are many so called arguments against capitalism today. Arguments are such as; corporations are greedy, executives are getting paid too much, the rich need to pay their fair share, big powerful corporations are holding the rest of us down and more. The real question that we as business professionals must ask ourselves is do we believe in the principles of free enterprise, and capitalism as a method or philosophy for generating value in exchange for profits? Understand that profits are the key to this debate. Everyone, and I do mean everyone wants your profits.
This article is not designed to go into the depth of the discussions and arguments against capitalism. It is designed to challenge those who believe that capitalism and free enterprise are principles upon which this nation and our future, as well as future generations will be built. So the question is do you believe that business professionals have the right to exchange value for profits without being criticized or called into question for creating those values and exchanging them for profits?
My challenge to you, which assumes that you are a free enterprise capitalist, is that you cannot wait for the Republicans, the Tea Party, Bill O’Reilly, a famous economist of our day, or some news organization to stand up and fight for the values and freedoms of free enterprise capitalism. You no longer can stand on the sidelines waving the American flag encouraging others to do battle in the public arena for this cause. History proves that when the majority of people believe that they are better off taking instead of working, they will rise up against free enterprise and capitalism. It is easier to create mob hysteria than it is to work hard, be smart and compete in the market place.
While there may always be extenuating circumstance or issues which people will point to saying well this is the reason the Bolshevik revolution took place, or some other socialistic overthrow, it always comes down to those principles that we hold dear were tossed aside for power and financial gain not by exchange of value but by sheer force. No I am not a historian, or an economist, but make no mistake, getting rid of capitalism is not about giving money to the masses and the poor, it is about power for the few.
So as a business professional, think about what you can do to influence this generation, our culture, and future generations, to promote a quality free enterprise capitalistic philosophy. I would submit to you that one thing you can do as a business owner or professional would be to get your employees, your vendors, and even your customers to read fundamental books and articles that teach quality free enterprise capitalism principles.
There are many good books that are not too heavy or academic to get people reading and laying the foundation for future generations. A book such as the richest man in Babylon by Gleason, how to Win friends and influence people by Carnegie, or books by Robert Kiyosaki, or Napoleon Hill, can stimulate the mind to realize that generating value is what people will pay for including profit, which in turn can generate wealth. Many American teens today are not getting the education that many of us received when we learned to mow lawns, wash cars, babysit, and sew or mend clothes to make extra money. This is not just about developing the character of a good work ethic, but teaching the fundamental principles of free enterprise and the value of ownership and using capital to build more value for the consumer.
Business professionals today need to encourage others to learn to grow and to develop a philosophy which rewards hard work, wise choices, and great attitudes. I would like to know what books you would recommend to be read by teenagers and young adults in our society today to help them to learn and understand these fundamental concepts that are so vital to our future generations. Please leave a comment and give us what you think would be a good book to promote the entrepreneurial spirit.
PS. If you want to comment on history or economics, then you are missing the point of this blog, for which I apologize. Write your own blog correcting the history or economics. What book would you recommend to help young people and old alike to learn the value of business?
MyCCnotes 