Paralysis by Pessimism
Because of man’s need for belonging, for sharing, he has created “common venture” institutions. The most basic common venture institution of all it’s the family. The family grows into a tribe, which grows into a clan, then community, and on to state, country, etc. Universal brotherhood–the Judeo-Christian idea of a just world–is the dream of a global common venture enterprise. Men who share and belong do not destroy each other. And yet, Western capitalism developed institutions which, although viable for stimulating initiative and entrepreneurship, failed to develop a model of organizational emergence of modern business (with its need for specialization, interdependence for a collective body bringing together resources, talents, skills, and energies) has increased the need for sharing. The world is a state of fluctuation perhaps more than ever before. That yearning spirit can be seen all over the world. In the next fifty to sixty years we are going to see dramatic changes that would be hard for us to anticipate right now.
—Paralysis by Pessimism, Chapter 4: Possibilities for a Common Venture, Jan J. Erteszek circa 1975
It is self-evident that if the moral conduct which guides us in our personal contacts is not applicable to business then we, as businessmen, must live with two patterns of behavior- one for our private lives and one for our professional pursuits. This, of course, would force us into a schizophrenic attitude with which no man can live for long and maintain a wholeness and a sense of meaning.
The American system of moral values is rooted in the Judeo-Christian ideas as they pertain to destiny of man and the nature of his societies. These ideas center around the following concepts:
First, the concept of the dignity of man.
Second, the idea that all of life is a relationship of trust, which accepts that responsible men must use their gifts, position, wealth or talent with fiduciary concern. These ideas have made a profound impact on American life and are manifested, among other ways, by the voluntary character of our charitable institutions.
Third, the concept of servanthood of the leader- that man leads by serving. The American concept of a “Public Servant” is derived from this idea.
Fourth, that a community is a relationship of common venture, that men work together to achieve communal objectives. Much of what is identified though out the world with a good society- care for the poor, sick, aged, public education- resulted from these concepts.
Fifth, that those who contribute are entitled to rewards. This idea is a part of what we refer to as the Protestant ethic.
—Paralysis by Pessimism, Jan J. Erteszek circa 1975