History

Sunday, January-02-11

Dear Serge, you raise a very good question, which I restate below:

“ Without being specific, how many times have you wondered
whether your decisions
or actions were the correct ones? ”

First, I can answer with confidence, that most of my business decisions [about what was the best for me] were less than best. They benefited others too much. I was ignorant of the human nature of business values and negotiating.
I left too much money on the bargaining table.

On the other hand, I did greatly benefit from what I learned in each enterprise. Knowledge is most valuable. It required me to learn many manufacturing operations in depth; and as my education highlighted physics, that made it easy to do so, enabling me to serve as a Manufacturing Engineering Consultant. This work earned "Know-How" dollars for my family.
My reputation alone got me business every year thereafter. I never searched for work. The work did pay very well! As I learned more and delivered more my income was much greater.

The social "problems" in Quebec did have a negative effect, as many private Businesses closed or moved.

When asked a question like what do you think, I used to reply jokingly:
“I don’t know what I think until I hear myself talk.” This always brings to my mind: “Really, now you ask me,” said Alice, very much confused, “I don’t think.” Then you shouldn’t talk,” said the Hatter.
 
"My home and financial plan for 6 Hazel Drive, was carefully prepared and realized. Denise's Court actions (December 24, 2008) sank our home to the bottom, devastating me. It worked well for forty years for Denise, but no longer for me, in these final years."
Until 1990, they were truly beautiful years for both me and Denise. Thereafter I began to lose her. I still hope for the better!

In business, conflict, like Jarislowsky/Diamond, at Integrated Lighting Limited, I polarized and walked away; it was wrong and I had no wisdom from family knowledge. I did win my case (court) against Tom Zingone (Weslite Lighting) As time went on, I learned better behavioral thinking habits; my Masonic times introduced me, to the four cardinal virtues:

The term "cardinal" comes from the Latin cardo or hinge; the cardinal virtues are so called because they are hinges upon which the door of the moral life swings.

From Wikipedia:
1 - Prudence - able to judge between actions with regard to appropriate actions at a given time
2 - Justice - proper moderation between self-interest and the rights and needs of others
3 - Restraint or Temperance - practicing self-control, abstention, and moderation
4 - Courage or Fortitude - forbearance, endurance, and ability to confront fear and uncertainty, or intimidation.
 
I remember George Bush [Number one] often saying he had to be prudent. He was most certainly a Mason as are most Presidents.

As a Consultant of "organizational change" I was always very confident; but still would recheck my work many times.

The poorest decision I made was a legal one and that was to rely on a type of marriage contract with Denise.

And so, I agree with you that we are always vulnerable. To minimize our risks, I believe it is imperative to think, with virtues as our guides.

It takes coming from a very wise family to learn these moral teachings at a very young age. They are not part of our early education. Although I always believed in God and his commandants.
 
In business, I learned most after 1969, when I finally sold out from being a manufacturer. Business requires too many immoral compromises. Although perhaps I should have remained being a manufacturer.

I have considered your questions very seriously and have answered them with honesty; as I did guiding my children, all three of them; Christopher, Steven and Michael. Now they are own their own.

Our family (Denise and I) is dysfunctional and I am suffering the consequences now. I do Hope however!

I grew up without my father being present and so my life was bent; “as the twig is bent so the tree will grow."

My Sister and Brother both are very difficult to communicate with. 
I still love them.   And I love my wife Denise!

Thank you, Serge, for emailing me.
Until soon, aware of and caring about you,
Don