From observations of how our country has declined over past years, I can’t stress enough the importance of reading three books. They need to be read by everyone within the auto recycling and recovery industry as well as all our families. I’ll list the third book first.
I don’t think anybody should be allowed to graduate from High School until they’ve read one of the most important literary classics of all time…The Little Red Hen. In the story, the little red hen finds a grain of wheat and asks the other barnyard animals “Who will help me plant the wheat?” The response “Not I,” said the cat, “Not I,” said the dog, “Not I,” said the pig. So, the Little Red Hen said, “Then I will plant the seed myself,” and she did.
At each stage of her work (the harvest, threshing, milling, and baking the flour to make the bread) the hen asks the 3 animals for help in the process again, and at each stage she receives the same reply from each of them. “Not I,” said the cat, “Not I,” said the dog, “Not I,” said the pig. So, they hadn’t changed at all.
At the final stage, when the hen has finished baking the bread, she asks “Now, who will help me eat the bread?” If you’ve heard the story before you know the ending. It’s a priceless answer when they want to help eat the bread. I’m almost positive that educators aren’t teaching the plot or results from this story in school anymore. What was the hen’s response? “No, you did not help me plant, nor help me harvest, nor help me mill, nor help me bake the bread,” so the Little Red Hen ate the bread and gave it to her chicks.
Surely, like you, I grew up with this story. It’s such a simple lesson on being a responsible individual and helping others. Modern society no longer embraces this kind of thinking. They say that it doesn’t matter that you did not contribute to any of the work or preparation in making something successful because you still get to eat from the fruit of other people’s labor. Huge mistake! This kind of thinking is wrong. It promotes laziness and slothfulness and the ultimate feeling of entitlement that we see in our world today. Here’s an example of the story about the Little Red Hen and not eating unless you work.
Consider the Pilgrims. There were 102 of them onboard the Mayflower while crossing the ocean to America. Of course, they wanted religious freedom from the Church of England. However, I doubt they were prepared for what happened next. The voyage and first winter in New England were arduous and not everyone survived the trip to America. Thank goodness, the kindness of the indigenous Indians showed them how to plant, harvest and prepare food for themselves. As you know, the Pilgrims lived several decades before the story, The Little Red Hen was written.
As a reminder, the Little Red Hen story should be resurrected and taught to our children at an early age, like it once was, like it was in the days when people were more responsible and understood “cause and effect” relationships. Yes, let’s revive this “Literary Classic” before it is too late!
The second book that I want to mention is Green Eggs and Ham, written by Dr. Seuss. I love this book because of its down-to-earth, elementary techniques. In this book there are 12 closes and 12 customer service tips that are much needed in this industry today. The book’s important but simplistic premise is this. All I want you to do is “try it…YOU will like it.” With these two books, we can start a new culture in our business, but now the #1 book. Including it as a MUST-READ shouldn’t surprise us. It’s the Bible.
The word BIBLE stands for Best Information Before Leaving Earth. As all of you know, at least, I hope you know that I stand for the flag and kneel for the cross. Directly from the Bible, 2 Thessalonians 3:10 reads, “Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.”The Pilgrims ate because they toiled the ground and harvested what they planted.
Many people think what’s written in the Bible mostly refers to getting right with God. However, if you’ll turn to the book of Proverbs and use those chapters to run your recycling business, I can guarantee you will be successful. Here’s why I feel that way. The Book of Proverbs is filled with every day, practical advice, really the do’s and don’ts for running your life as well as dealing with others. From the special version, The Message, Proverbs 3:28 and 4:16 validate that wise living gets rewarded with honor, while stupid living gets the booby prize.
So do yourself a favor today, find your old and dusty copies of the Little Red Hen and Green Eggs and Ham along with your favorite version of the Bible. Read, study, and apply them to your daily living. I can’t wait to hear about the changes you’ll see in yourself, family, and your business. And don’t forget to be thankful for what you have. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
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D.J. Says, 146 Mill Creek Drive, Canton, GA 30115
D. J. Harrington is an author, journalist, seminar leader, international trainer, and marketing consultant. He works primarily with customer service personnel, and his clients include such world-class companies as General Motors, DuPont, and Caterpillar. He may be reached at 800-352-5252. E-mail: dj@djsays.com. 52 weeks a year, we are as close as your telephone.