In 1959, the same year I graduated from high school in a small Minnesota town, Philip Roth published Goodbye, Columbus, a story about shedding illusions—youthful ideals, cultural myths, and a version of America that no longer fits reality.
Hello, Bob - After reading your essay, I could not resist rolling back the clock to when I joined the St. Paul Junior Chamber of Commerce (JayCees). Here's the creed that we would recite at the beginning of each meeting:
The Jaycee Creed, written by C. William Brownfield in 1946, is as follows:
"That faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life."
"That the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations."
"That economic justice can best be won by free men through free enterprise."
"That government should be of laws rather than of men."
"That earth's great treasure lies in human personality."
"And that service to humanity is the best work of life."
Hello, Bob - After reading your essay, I could not resist rolling back the clock to when I joined the St. Paul Junior Chamber of Commerce (JayCees). Here's the creed that we would recite at the beginning of each meeting:
The Jaycee Creed, written by C. William Brownfield in 1946, is as follows:
"That faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life."
"That the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations."
"That economic justice can best be won by free men through free enterprise."
"That government should be of laws rather than of men."
"That earth's great treasure lies in human personality."
"And that service to humanity is the best work of life."
That was in the early 1970s.
This reinforces the message in your essay.
All the best - Rob Scarlett