18:53 Working Tools Series - "Leading by Action"

This week we launch the "18:53 Working Tools Series," which will delve into a variety of subjects: education (Masonic & non-Masonic), history, and revisiting compelling anecdotes about Freemasonry in Minnesota. These shorter episodes won't exceed 18 minutes and 53 seconds, and will alternate between weeks that feature longer discussions with in-studio guests. 

Transcript

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Welcome back to another episode of Minnesota Masonic Histories and Mysteries. I'm Reed Endersby and I serve as a regional director for Minnesota Masonic Charities and the Grand Lodge of Minnesota. We appreciate you checking out this podcast and are excited to share the addition of occasional shorter episodes as this one will be. We are launching what will be known as the 1853 working tools series, which will delve into a variety of subject matter, both Masonic and non Masonic. Education, history, revisiting compelling anecdotes about Freemasonry in Minnesota. And in the future, welcoming guest hosts for these shorter episodes, which will be no longer than 18 minutes and 53 seconds. These shorter episodes will alternate between the weeks in which we do have longer, full episodes and in studio guests. With that, welcome to the first episode of the 1853 Working Tools series. Today we are going to look back at John D. Rockefeller, the founder of Standard Oil, and who was once the richest man in the world. Rockefeller was the world's first billionaire and amassed a net worth of at least 1 billion by 1916. When he died, his net worth was estimated to be approximately 340 billion in today's dollars. By 25, he had one of the largest oil refineries in the United States. He was 31 when he became the world's largest oil refiner. At 50, he was America's richest man. As a young man, every action, attitude, and connection he had was hyper focused and crafted to establish his wealth. But by the age of 53, he fell ill. His entire body became wracked with pain. And And he lost all his hair. In total anguish, one of the world's richest men could buy anything he wanted, but could only eat soup and crackers. According to an associate, quote, he couldn't sleep, wouldn't smile, and nothing in life meant anything to him, unquote. His personal, highly trained physicians indicated that he would die within the year. That year passed painfully and slowly. As he approached death, he awoke one morning with the faint understanding that he would not be able to bring any of his fortune with him to the next world. Rockefeller, the man who could dominate the commercial world, suddenly realized he had no control over his personal life. He informed his solicitors, accountants, and management that he intended to devote his assets to hospitals. research and charity work. John D., Rockefeller started the foundation. The Rockefeller foundation financed penicillin research in 1941. but arguably, the most astounding aspect of Rockefeller's narrative is that when he began to give back a fraction of all he had gained, His body's chemistry changed dramatically, and he recovered. He was expected to die at the age of 53, but he survived to reach 98 years old. Rockefeller learned gratitude and returned the great bulk of his money. This made him whole. It's one thing to be healed, it is another to become fit. Before he died, he wrote in his diary, quote, God taught me that everything belongs to Him, and I am merely a conduit to carry out His will. My life has been one long happy holiday since then, full of work and play. I let go of my worries along the road, and God was wonderful to me every day. Unquote. What a remarkable story. And let's be honest, very few people will ever see that kind of money in their lifetime. Even if lightning were to strike with a long shot powerball win. The takeaway is a challenge for all of us to re examine what we do have to give to others. Friendship. Kindness. Love. A check in to ask, how are you doing? last week I saw a great quote from author James Clear in which he said, quote, being kind to others is mostly about your actions. Self awareness can be a gift we not only give to others, but to ourselves. We, as Masons, are known for the tenets of our profession. In modern terms, our core values. Brotherly love, which translates into meaningful friendship, relief, or providing resources to those in need, and truth, truth with ourselves and others. Are these just words we say in passing, or are we doing the work, making genuine efforts that indicate our commitment to these goals and standards? Perhaps you work in a corporate setting where the core values of your company are prominently displayed on the wall of a common area for all to see. Unfortunately, that's usually where it stops. We stop and point at that list of core values and proclaim, I support this, and feel as though that's all we have to do. Simply align ourselves on what is determined to be the correct side, and we lazily stop there. This is an ongoing challenge across the board. Companies, houses of worship, fraternal organizations. We draft a set of guidelines, core values, various commitments to people, and basically stop there. Recently, I heard a compelling podcast in which the host referred to that as being nothing more than quote, ideological hand waving unquote, which is the easiest thing to get away with. Posting the core values on the wall, or in a Masonic setting, reiterating the tenets of our profession in word only, does not get the job done. There has to be a real indication of commitment, from each and every one of us, doing the work, being the change, living these things out. In other words, talking less and doing more. Freemasonry sends forth no missionaries. It's progress as a force of nature that stems from the age old desire to unite in a bond of friendship for our mutual welfare and happiness. Thanks for listening to the first episode of the 1853 Working Tool Series. This has been Minnesota Masonic Histories and Mysteries.