“Thanksgiving was a holiday established by productive people to celebrate the success of their work.”
By: Greg Swann,
Phoenix Real Estate,
Post Archive,
RSS FeedPosted: Thursday, November 25th, 2010, 11:34 am MST
Category: Egoism in Action,Flourishing,Group Therapy
That’s Ayn Rand, from Atlas Shrugged. I love that quotation and I love this holiday, second only to Independence Day. I’m working today, because that’s what I do, but I’m celebrating, too, because I have worked so hard and so well.
Here’s to the dogs — to the people who write, comment and read here. Living anywhere near my world can be a disquieting thing, I know, but I hope you never doubt my gratitude.
And here’s to another year of hard work — and to the Splendor that comes from working wisely and well.
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I don’t know about disquieting but it’s always interesting….and fun. Happy Thanksgiving to you and Cathy, Greg.
Cheers Greg! Much gratitude to you for your work here and to everyone in this place I’ve come to know as friends.
Happy Thanksgiving!
It’s Real Estate, It not work, it a way of life. work is what what others do, they get a job and go to work.
You might enjoy the video about the Pilgrims. They didn’t get off to such a great start but got smart pretty quick.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66QdQErc8JQ&feature=player_embedded
> It’s Real Estate, It not work, it a way of life.
Good point. What course have you set for yourself for tomorrow?
I’ve rarely looked at the term ‘work’ as being something disparaging. To the contrary, of course. Though I had a conversation with someone tonight during Thanksgiving dinner who would challenge the idea entirely. A matter of perpective I suppose.
Disquieting- I agree with that, but for whatever reason, I grow faster and stronger from disquiet. When I’m shaken do I stir.
One o’clock Thanksgiving Day a client emailed with the details of an offer they want to make today. Working holidays kind of rock.
Here’s to a productive weekend and holiday season, Greg!
> I’ve rarely looked at the term ‘work’ as being something disparaging.
Nor I. It’s a funny word in the modern world, though. People say things like, “Too much like work.” I’ve never felt that way. I’ve been very seriously joyous about work since I was very young, and it’s always been my favorite thing to do with my time.
> Working holidays kind of rock.
I did analysis work for two investors yesterday and then looked at 13 houses for a third. I’m showing this morning, and, cross your fingers, writing a contract this afternoon. Showing again tomorrow. Working is good just by itself — since this is how I get paid! — but the more I work, the better I get at working, so today’s productivity turns into tomorrow’s productivity gains.
I should write this as a post, but this is what there is for now: I find Splendor when I focus on the one, not the zero. When I measure what I’m getting right, not what I’m getting wrong. When I concentrate on what I can do and not on what I can’t. When I celebrate victory, learning from but never despairing over any defeat. Any job well done is a source of pride, and pride is the stuff from which to make more Splendor.
Spent Thanksgiving afternoon with family scouting neighborhoods where there are owners with equity. We had a great time as we were in the town where my wife and partner grew up. Family reminisces and future work.
Nice quote and definitely one of my favorites now. Hope the holidays went well!
Oh, Ayn Rand. Gotta love her.