Wisdom from a Statue

Herbert J Taylor downtown. 10/8/24

Herbert J. Taylor was born in Pickford, Michigan in 1893. 

The community probably hasn't changed much over the last 130 years in terms of size. In fact, it is likely that there were more people then in the agricultural town south of Sault Ste. Marie and east of St. Ignace.

He went to high school in Sault Ste. Marie. He eventually became the International President of Rotary in 1954-55. That's a significant honor and a reason he's standing on a corner back home.

The thing that made him famous was the Four Way Test he developed during the Great Depression. It was his plan for companies to survive the worst economic stretch our county ever experienced.

The Four Way Test of the things we say, think, or do:

    1. Is it the truth?

    2. Is it fair to all concerned?

    3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

    4. Will it be beneficial for all concerned?

 

Rotary's motto. 10/8/24 dwm

 Taylor's words provide good advice at any time and in any place. 

 It would be a nicer world if leaders and citizens made a concentrated effort to always speak the truth, be fair to others, develop relationships by looking out for the welfare of others, and looking for solutions that help everybody.

 Maybe it can help your office, your neighborhood, or your home?

 When I saw the statue of a man on a corner, I was curious to learn his story. I left with a bit of wisdom from a statue which stands in downtown Sault Ste. Marie at the corner of Spruce and Ashmun streets.