"Now I see why powerful people often wear
sunglasses - the spotlight blinds them to
reality. They suffer from a delusion
that power means something (it doesn't). They suffer from the misconception
that titles make a difference (they don't). They are under the impression
that earthly authority will make a heavenly difference (it won't).
Can I prove my point? Take this quiz.
Name the ten wealthiest people in the world.
Name the last ten Heisman trophy winners.
Name the last ten winners of the Miss
America contest.
Name eight people who have won the Nobel
or Pulitzer prize.
How about the last ten Academy Award winners
for best picture or the last decade's worth of World Series winners?
How did you do? I didn't do well
either. With the exception of you trivia hounds, none of us remember
the headliners of yesterday too well.
Surprising how quickly we forget, isn't
it? And what I've mentioned above are no
second-rate achievements. These
are the best in their fields. But the applause dies.
Awards tarnish. Achievements are
forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you
do on this one:
Think of three people you enjoy spending
time with.
Name ten people who have taught you something
worthwhile.
Name five friends who have helped you
in a difficult time.
List a few teachers who have aided your
journey through school.
Name half-a-dozen heroes whose stories
have inspired you.
Easier? It was for me, too.
The lesson? The people who make a difference are not the ones with
the credentials, but the ones with the concern."
