FREE NEWSLETTER
HOME DEPOT COFOUNDER Bernie Marcus made headlines late last year with his claim that capitalism may not survive because “nobody works, nobody gives a damn.” I respectfully disagree. While Marcus has one example—people not wanting to work or work hard enough at the stores he founded—I believe America has a terrific future based on four observations:
I know what a few dozen young men from Boy Scouts are doing today. Many—but not all—went to college. They currently have careers as varied as teacher, film editor, lead custodian at a school, satellite engineer, data analyst, diesel mechanic, insurance salesperson and hotel manager. Many are married. My point: Each has gone on to contribute to society, pay taxes and become a solid citizen.
I also worked closely with supply chain analysts, factory workers, maintenance workers and quality technicians. I’ll concede that many of the younger folks wanted to know the “why” when asked to do a job, as opposed to simply following a directive. To me, this is a plus. When explaining the outcome that I’m seeking, they often have input that makes both the process and the results better.
Most of these graduates already have jobs lined up. Some will work with Fortune 100 companies. Some chose to work with startups. Virtually all will be contributing to America’s competitiveness.
Bernie Marcus may worry that capitalism won’t survive. But when I look at the young people that I’ve personally witnessed making contributions to America and its businesses, I’m not worried. Echoing the words of Warren Buffett, I wouldn’t bet against America.
I don’t know how I missed this article 6 months ago. I think Bernie Marcus’s initials say it all.
If you don’t like what the kids are doing, you have to look the parents. We are the ones responsible for nurturing our young.
The time spent with them in the earliest years sets them on their path. If you don’t like what you see, they were failed by their parents when they had their chance.
The emphasis has to be on citizenship and education. Yes, it is really that simple.
I remember my parents extreme focus on education when I young. They didn’t want us to work with our hands. Now my dishwasher repairman earns more than my doctor.
I did both, good hands and a mind. I was successful because I discovered my passion before I was 10 and my parents enthusiastically supported me.
It’s worth saying again, the blame or praise belongs to parents. It’s a shame that it takes two incomes to raise a family. It often takes time away from raising the children.
I’m embarrassed for Marcus for making that overly broad statement. “Nobody works.” Good grief! Marcus has been so rich so long that he’s forgotten the difficulties of being lower middle class or poor. I’ve lost any respect for him that I might have ever had.
I guess what I want to say about evidence is that one should look beyond their own personal experiences. One should also look at overall stats and studies and the views and experiences of those from different backgrounds than themselves in forming their opinion. That is