"What's A Business For?"

-Charles Handy

• Based on what you read in the first two pages (pages 3 and 4), why are virtue and integrity so vital to an economy?

TRUST. When the trust is gone, or even shaky, it tends to effect business and economy. It certainly effects the consumer, but also has a great consequences for the those employed by companies. Both are critical to economy. Integrity and virtue hold great power to confidently and with peace of conscience help those making critical business and financial decisions in "steering their ship". The temptation to steal and skim seems to be pervasive in business- and is very much a self-serving act. Virtue and Integrity help one to see beyond themselves and work to the betterment of the business. It invites trust and confidence from others and that invites more business. 

• According to Charles Handy, what is the “real justification” for the existence of businesses?

It is for a business to do something more or better. "Real justification" is that something. In other words, it is the something that looks beyond the money mark and looks to what is the moral value of this business. 

• What are two solutions proposed by Handy that you agree with? Why?

1. Associate with a cause in order to give purpose to our lives

Living life without purpose feels hollow and directionless. It gives too much time to idleness and seems to be a gateway for all sorts of ailments. When we live life with purpose, with a purpose, there is much hope and drive that accompanies it. We wake up with more anticipation for what is to come. Purpose helps shape our future thoughts and actions. It is the same in business. Working for a cause and purpose rather than just for the almighty dollar leads to more fulfillment and breeds direction and purpose. The Spirit of God dwells there in purpose. 

1. Measure success in terms of outcomes for others as well as for ourselves

I have heard over and over in my life various quotes that surmise that no one gets to their deathbed/end of their life and wishes they spent more time at work. I interpret this a little to extend to money-making. No one ever seems to wish they would have spent more time on acquiring more money only. Rather, people get the end of their lives and look back and seem to realize it was all about their relationships, helping and giving of self and means to others. That is where fulfillment lies. That is where satisfaction and happiness fills our souls. When we know we have cared for and improved the lives of others. 

In addition to this reading, I really enjoyed the other reading and videos. The "Entrepreneurship and Consecration" talk was so powerful. It inspired me to keep going in my pursuits even though I am 44 years old and sometimes I feel that I have little to contribute. Whatever it is I have, I will give. I am here for a purpose and until I am not here any longer, I will find all ways that I can to help and lift those around me. 

Elder Holland's talk, "Are We Not All Beggars?" was profound and inspiring to me as well. "She hath done what she could". That is written all over my heart. I don't necessarily have much to give - but what I have in any shape or form, I desire to give it to help those around me. I hope to teach my children that principle. That whether we have much to give or not, that it is giving all that we can that matters. That living a life of virtue and integrity is what we are here to learn and do. That giving even that example is priceless. That it is sacred and sanctified of the Lord. 

We are so blessed with so much - even just with that knowledge alone.