LIFE’S SECRETS: KEYS TO SUCCESS
B URBAN LOMBARD
Published by BULMAS PUBLISHERS at Smashwords
Electronic version prepared by Kosie Eloff
Copyright 2012 B Urban Lombard
Success stories of Achievers who discovered Life’s Secrets
Amongst Others:
Nelson Mandela, Anton Rupert, Albert Einstein, David Livingston, Malesela Motlatla and Yvonne Chaka Chaka.
And many other well-known celebrities
First Edition 2012
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
We want to hear from you.
Please
send your comments about this book to us in care of:
B Urban
Lombard
PO Box 904-101, Faerie Glen, Pretoria, South
Africa
bul@mweb.co.za
Scriptures quoted are from the Good News Bible © 1994 published by the Bible Societies/HarperCollins Publishers Ltd UK, Good News Bible © American Bible Society 1966, 1971, 1976, 1992. Used with permission.
Except for the previously disadvantaged persons, all quotations of the South African Achievers are taken from Henno Cronjé’s book: What Life has Taught Me, Christian Art Publishers, © First Edition 1999. Used with permission from Christian Art Publishers.
This book is also available in Afrikaans as a print copy : Lewensgeheime: Sleutels tot Sukses.
Keywords: motivation, self-development, leadership, management, business economic and human resources management principles, creation wonders and spiritual values and norms for success.
CONTENTS
LIST OF PARTICIPATING ACHIEVERS
1- Life Philosophy and Worldview
2 - Achievers and Worldly Wisdoms
5 - Achievers Business Philosophy
6 - Management Axioms and Principles
7 - Management Premises, Affirmative Action, Transformation and Empowerment
8 - Business Economic Values and Management Philosophy
9 - Achievers Bible Foundations
10 - Achievers Poetic Foundations
11 - Achievers Answers and Guidelines
12 - Salutation, Success, Nature, Health, Life Skills
SECTION B - Profiles of Achievers
SECTION E - Discussion Questions
SECTION F - References and Notes
SECTION G - Index of Achievers
SECTION H - Author's Publications
INTRODUCTION
Personal
invitation letter to and list of previously disadvantaged achievers
When you analyse your present position in terms of the vast progressive steps you have taken and achieved, your ambitious cultivation of opportunities and your overall dedication and commitment to your career, you realise, suddenly, you are a renowned success and a great achiever.
Once in a lifetime, a book project comes along which is so important, so enthusiastically praised by the experts and has the potential to become so outstandingly successful that no well-informed person would wish to miss the opportunity of participating and contributing to it.
As a business economist, management consultant and industrial psychologist, may I use this miraculous electronic medium to submit this very personal request to you, which will undoubtedly influence the minds, hearts and behaviour of millions of young people on a local and international level.
The purpose of this project is to assist me in achieving my life-long dream of presenting some guiding principles, philosophies, values, norms and work ethics essential for Life’s Secrets and its Keys to Success in South Africa to our rainbow youth, young adults and parents. I take exceptional pleasure in calling upon your assistance and cooperation with this project, which I will have the honour of presenting in a book form with the objective to become of the utmost importance and significance to a very wide reading market.
I take special pleasure in calling on your assistance and cooperation with this project, which I will have the honour of presenting your Lessons of Life in book form that will be of the utmost importance and significance to a very wide readers market.
You (and a number of other prominent and successful men and women who stem from all walks of life in our unique the rainbow nation) have been selected to form a small and exclusive, yet intensely influential, reference group. Your input will most certainly guide, lead and inspire the leaders of tomorrow to succeed in their careers by following and practising those lessons you have so dearly learned from life itself. See a list of contributors.
I have researched and reviewed the various websites on which you are referred to (personal profiles, biographic and career details), but need to hone in on one or two other aspects that I believe will enrich and reveal more clearly to our leaders of tomorrow which maps and pointers they need on their road to success.
To enable us to complete and enhance your personal profile in the forthcoming book, will you be so kind as to provide me with your frank comments and personal experiences to the following questions.
- What lesson(s) has life taught you during your childhood and/or
career?
- What is your worldview and life philosophy?
- Which
principles, values and norms are paramount and have you applied in
your life?
- Are there any specific quotations and/or ‘words of
wisdom‘ which have inspired and motivated you during your
lifetime?
- During your career, which management philosophy, style
and work ethics have you applied?
- At times, when you really
felt emotionally drained, sorrowful, discouraged or disheartened,
were there any rhymes, poetry or spiritual/religious verses, which
served as anchors for you?
Your candid opinion and personal sharing of life’s experiences will not only serve greatly as pieces of advice and pointers, but will indeed provide valuable career counselling and contribute significantly towards the life skills of all those who identify with you and regard you as a great achiever, successful leader, prominent communicator and ultimate role model of our time.
On behalf of the youths, young adults and parents all over, will you please do this for them?
Since this initiative is believed also to be the first of its kind, I earnestly request your thoughtful consideration and cooperation with this very valuable and worthy project. This will truly be greatly appreciated by us.
In addition, wouldn’t it be wonderful to see how this potential book also actively contributes to the African Renaissance and becomes as rewarding and enriching to you as to myself?
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at any time. However, should you, prefer to convey this information via a personal interview, I look forward to receive communication from you regarding a convenient date, time and venue suitable to you.
We look forward to your timeous e-mail or fax reply.
Invitation list of honourable chiefs, distinguished Achievers and role models in various caterogies
Presidency
Ministers and Deputies
Nobel Peace Prize Winners
Honourable Justices and Archbishops
First-time Space Voyager
Prominent Captains of Industry and the Environment
Other distinguished Leaders and Academicians
Show Business and Sport Superstars
Eminent Communicators and Role Models
Asmal - Prof. A Kader Asmal: Former Minister of Education
Buthelezi - Dr. Mangosothu G Buthelezi: Former Minister of Home Affairs
Chaka Chaka - Yvonne Chaka Chaka: Singer and Musician
Dludlu - John Dludlu: Editor: Sowetean
Jordaan - Danny Jordaan: 2010 World Cup Bid Committee CEO
Langa - Judge Pius Langa: Former President: Constitutional Court
Langa - Mandla Langa: Former Chairman of ICASA, Music Composer, Creative Writer and Journalist
Madungandaba - Joe Madungandaba: CEO Malesela Group
Makeba - Miriam Makeba: Musician
Mandela - Nelson Mandela: Former State President and Nobel Peace Winner
Mangena - Mosibudi Mangena: Former Deputy Minister of Education
Maree - Sydney Maree: Former Director Corporate Marketing & Communication JSE
Mbeki - Thabo Mbeki: Former State President of South Africa
Mda - Prof. Zakes Mda: Academic, Creative Writer, Poet, Artist, Musician, Filmmaker, Public Speaker
Mboweni - Tito Mboweni: Former President Reserve Bank
Mokgokong - Dr. Anna Mokgokong: Chairperson UNISA Council, Group Executive Chairperson and co - founder of the Malesela Group and Business Woman of the Year
Mokgoro - Judge Yvonne Mokgoro: Judge Constitutional Court
Motlatla - Dr. Malesela D C Motlatla: Founder Member of the Malesela Group; Entrepreneur, Businessman and Community Leader
Msimang - Mavuso Msimang: Former CEO SA National Parks Board
Ndungane - Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane: Archbishop Cape Town
Phosa - Matthew Phosa: Former Director KPMG
Ramaphosa - Cyril Ramaphosa: Chairman, Johnnic Holdings Ltd
Ramsamy - Sam Ramsamy: President NOCSA
Sexwale - Tokyo Sexwale: Former Premier of Gauteng Province and Chairman of Mvela Holdings
Shuttleworth - Mark Shuttleworth: Africa’s First Astronaut
Sisulu - Walter Sisulu: Former ANC Leader
Small - Prof. Adam Small: Academic, Writer & Poet
Sonn - Dr. Franklin Sonn: Chairman of Africa Group Corporation
Tambo - Oliver Tambo: Former ANC Leader
Tutu - Archbishop Desmond Tutu: Former Archbishop - Cape Town and Nobel Peace Winner
List of participating Achievers
Dr. Louw Alberts - Scientist, Philosopher, Astronomer and Chief Executive Officer
Audrey Blignault - Writer, Teacher and Radio Announcer
Prof. Elize Botha - Academic, Writer and Linguist
Yvonne Chaka Chaka - Singer, Musician and Radio Announcer
Bettie Cilliers-Barnard - Artist and Painter
Frans Claerhout - Priest and Painter
Mimi Coertse - Opera Singer
Willem Cruywagen - Former High School Principal and Administrator
Marinus Daling - Business Leader and Businessman
Rev. Izak de Villiers - Reverend, Poet and Editor
Marius de Waal - Former Chairman of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)
Chris du Toit - Wine Farmer and former Chairman of the South African Agricultural Union
Prof. Fritz Eloff - Retired Academic, Sport Administrator and Zoologist
Prof. E P Groenewald - Theologian
Bonaventure Hinwood - Priest and Poet
Lourens Jonker - Former Chairman of the KWV and Wine Farmer
Paul Kruger - Business Leader and former Managing Director of SASOL
Mandla Langa - Former Chairman of ICASA, Music Composer, Creative Writer and Journalist
Piet Liebenberg - Banker and former Chairman of Business Bank
Prof. Ben Marais - Theologian
Prof. Zakes Mda - Academic, Creative Writer, Poet, Painter, Music Composer, Musician, TV and Radio Commentator, Film Maker, Story Teller and Public Speaker
Dr. Anna Mokgokong - Chairperson UNISA Council, Group Executive Chairperson and co-founder of the Malesela Group and Business Woman of the Year
Dr. Malesela Motlatla - Founder Member of the Malesela Group; Entrepreneur,Businessman and Community Leader
Prof. Bart Oberholzer - Theologian, Church Leader and Cultural Person
Gary Player - Golf Super Star, Horse Breeder and ‘Travelling Ambassador’
Sam Ramsamy - President of the National Olympic Committee of SA (NOCSA)
Fanus Rautenbach - Former Radio Announcer, Humorist and Writer
Dr. Francois Retief - Former Dean of the Medical Faculty, Rector University of the Free State and Director General of Health
Penny Rey-Coelen - South Africa’s first Miss World, Business Woman and Farmer
Johann Roode - Entrepreneur, Businessman, Nature Conservationist and Cultural Person
Dr. Anton Rupert - Great Industrialist, Philanthropist, Philosopher and Nature Conservationist
Walter Sisulu - Former ANC Leader
Prof. Bouke Spoelstra - Theologian
Dr. Chris Stals - Former Banker and President of the Reserve Bank
Oliver Tambo - Former ANC Leader
Judge Theunie Steyn - Former Administrator – General of the then South West Africa and Judge
Judge Leo van der Heever - First Woman Judge in South Africa
Advocate Christo Wiese - Versed in Law Person, Entrepreneur and Business Leader
International Achievers
Graham Bell - Inventor
Prof. Albert Einstein - Physicist
Dr. David Livingstone - Explorer
Arthur Rubinstein - Pianist
Rick Warren - Pastor
Other great Historical Figures
Aristotle - Philosopher
Augustine - Church Father
Shakespeare - Dramatist
Zeno - Philosopher
QUOTE
"All men seek one goal:
success or happiness.
The only way to achieve true success is to express yourself completely in service to society.
First, have a definite, clear practical ideal, a goal, an objective.
Second, have the necessary means to achieve your ends –
wisdom, money, materials and method.
Third, adjust your means to that end."
~ARISTOTLE (384-322 B.C.)
PROLOGUE
Do you have a desire to get to know Life Secrets and Keys to Success?
Are you constantly yearning for a deeper understanding and experience of a more dynamic and richer spiritual life? Which lifetime choice is the right one for you to make, to learn from and follow by using the life styles of a human or spiritual icon?
How can you bridge the deep consciousness of your own inability to believe in the things you hope for and to be certain of the things you cannot see?
Will such a search and consequent realization lead to full certainty and hold everlasting value for you?
What means or keys are available to help you to discover these life secrets and, by utilising them, career success?
Which nature secrets and fine-tuning exist in the universe for man, plant and beast?
What is the Right of Admission Requirements for heaven for you in order to inherit eternal life?
Before these penetrating questions begin to gnaw at you and the full truth of these answers become part of your thoughts and acts, we first need to point out that your outlook towards and the way you think about and believe in your career and life style will certainly influence and radically alter the success thereof, because:
"What you believe about yourself is what will happen to you!"
Alternatively stated:
Your vision and thoughts will determine how successful your life will be and form you in what you are!
This pious wish and search for the mysterious Success Keys, is the ‘oxygen’ for the yearning and searching young person who is striving for success; and the quoted lifetime examples of the Achievers and the Fitness Tips, form the ‘solid food’.1
This reference book will teach you how to discover the Life’s Secrets and to unlock the secret of the ‘Kingdom keys‘1 to success, in order for you to ensure a dynamic, praiseworthy and commendable career and exemplary lifestyle. Through this process, you will discover the desire and need for wisdom that will enable you to experience success on a daily basis. To help you with this, several examples of the Achievers’ lifestyles are quoted and discussed practically herein.
Follow the All-wise advice of the loving Father and develop your career to reshape your life motto into a life changing and spiritual filled discipline. Then exploit the full richness of your heritage, wherever you are.
DEDICATION
This practical work book is dedicated to all those who wish to answer these searching questions that are calling for answers and who desire to enrich and refresh their life philosophy, worldview, values, norms and spiritual anchors with these proven and demonstrated Lessons from Life. These come from a few selected and leading national and international Achievers and most especially from our ‘Weatherman, Helmsman and Guidesman‘ of All-times.
May the imprinted life patterns, ways of life and the ‘do’s, don’ts‘ and ‘good and noble’ that are presented to you in the different chapters, strengthen, enlighten and most of all, motivate you and so also the inspirational spiritual message herein, that you can bravely and courageously make your own!
You are encouraged to come, travel and enjoy this journey of discovery with me by reconnoitring the field and the world’s stage of Life’s Secrets, with the aid of these powerful and wise Keys to Success!
PREFACE
To collect and summarize such a treasure of life wisdoms, inspiring perspectives and encouraging incentives in one volume is a unique achievement.
Dr. Urban Lombard has succeeded in this remarkable testimonial not only to write-up these precious moments of the Achievers, but to obtain them especially from the extraordinary individuals who have been recorded in the text.
The material is not merely about individuals, but specifically of the individuals. This lends credibility to the text and consequently, the message is not only impressive, but also inspiring. The elegance with which the material is presented, succeeds especially in not praising anyone, but much rather foregrounding the integrity and boldness with which the individuals transformed their careers and opportunities on both a personal and professional level.
A person learns at best from another person. Ultimately, the credibility lies in that which people have achieved and not the opinions and perspectives relating to it. This text book about life’s secrets is a volume with the objective of inspiring you, but to especially to also activate you, because it does not speculate within predetermined philosophies, but essentially, rather reports on the par excellence of real people. Even more, this is contemporary people, with a voice and a message, who Urban Lombard has intertwined with difficulty and elegance into an exciting presentation.
To receive such a publication in English and Afrikaans is likewise unique. The comfortable style in the idiom of the people and popular parlance style of writing makes the text easy to read, even in the case of some messages, which are deep-seated and philosophical. Without ever being inclined to be flattering, Dr. Lombard is fearless and outspoken on the strong religious undertone and conviction, which underlies and accompanies this volume. Furthermore, religion is utilised as a rule to serve as a vehicle for the messages.
This text is also a sensitive confluence of eras in the history of South African Achievers. Overall, it also portrays a collage of personal and professional successes as a medal of honour for those who have already excelled in a remarkable new South Africa. Therefore, this particular publication is also a minute of an exceptional moment in time that we as readers all have the privilege to be part of.
The philosophies, messages and opinions of the individuals who have been recorded are in essence modest and without any hint of pessimism and negativity, or even a fleeting glance, or a brief reference to bygone times’ inequities and inequalities. The focus is consistently positive and focussed on the future and therefore practically imitable and cordial.
The profiles of the South African Achievers recorded here are representative of the total mosaic of people in South Africa, which succinctly reflect the full range of hues of the South African rainbow.
This is an exceptional volume for young and old, which can serve as an inspirational guidebook from which a salute emerges for South Africa and its leaders and Achievers.
With this particular addition to his list of publications, Urban Lombard proves once more his versatility as academic, professional manager, management consultant, industrial psychologist and author in allowing this publication to flow from his pen in this particularly gripping manner.
JOHANN COETZEE
SOUTH GAUTENG
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This guidebook is a product of more than a decade’s composition and presentations to various Publication Companies in order to realise my lifelong dream of making available Life’s Secrets: Keys to Success in a concise manner to people from all walks of life on a national as well as international scale.
Our sincere thanks to Reverend Henno Cronjé, whose ingenious personal interviews with some of the outstanding leaders and the resourceful compilation of their contributions laid the partial foundation for the life’s secrets without which this textbook would not have been so rich in the lessons about what life has taught us.
My eternal gratitude also goes to Bregda, my wife, who initiated this spark in me to write this book. Throughout these years, your interest and encouragement have given me the necessary perspective to adapt to the challenges and troublesome disappointments in life. Part of which was to face boldly the bureaucratic small-mindedness and pettiness of officials and to trump and ignore the arrogance and insensitivity of the private sector bullies, intimidators in companies and parastatal institutions and the intellectual snobs.
To my late mother Ann, sister Amanda, married children Conrad and Renette, Stephan ‘Bossie’ and Tanya, Pierre and grandchildren Nikita, Ruben, Zander and Joané who all gave for their continued and unselfish love, support and motivation to me to help keep spirit, mind and body together and strong.
My precious friends Lorrie and Estelle Raath, Marius and Ria Doman, Count and Alida Lippi, Johann and Irma Coetzee and Mike and Koekie de Jongh: you were all there when needed and who each, in their own unique way, supported me and offered their personal camaraderie and companionship in intensely stressful and turbulent times.
My gratitude also extends to Mlamli Booi and Dr. David Motlatla, for their very special input and editorial comments on the invitation letter to the previously disadvantaged achievers, the suggestions made for contacting them and the approach and style used when interviewing some of these achievers.
Reverend André Fitzgerald’s humble spiritual editorial comments and tactful advice to adopt a more sharing approach in the decision regarding which type of icons’ astuteness and life styles can and should be followed are greatly appreciated.
I particularly owe an immense debt of gratitude to all the participating achievers for their time and personal accounts of their invaluable life experiences.
Special acknowledgement must be given to the persons and organisations listed next for their compilation of the respondent’s personal profiles and CV’s:
Ministerial Offices
Mbendi and their associated Information Providers
The Nobel Foundation and Nobel e-Museum
Insane Tree Promotions
Editors of Publications as cited
Journalists as cited
Researchers as cited and
Achievers’ personal web sites and to the following companies for the use of their art clips namely:
Microsoft Design Gallery Live and CreataCard
For the Scripture quotations from the Good News Bible © 1994 published by the Bible Societies/HarperCollins Publishers Ltd UK, Good News Bible © American Bible Society 1966, 1971, 1976, 1992 and the New International Version (NIV), 1984 from the International Bible Society (Electronic Version from BibleGateway.com).1
In addition, also to my very special friend, colleague and soul mate, Prof. Johann Coetzee, for his many years of inspiring friendship and distinctive Preface which enriches this book and conveys to the reading public an outstanding, yet simplistic example of this book’s excellent motivational and spiritual message.
Thank you to Wilhelm Crause from Knowledge Resources for his valuable input and recommendation to include a summary of the Life Skills of the Achievers’ and their application values.
I am also very grateful to Prof. Mike de Jongh for refining the content and approach of this guidebook.
For the editing of the original script, a special word of appreciation to Ria Verwey for a thorough job that enriched the contents and made the message of the book much clearer.
In this way and with everyone’s input was this book shaped and created.
A very special word of appreciation and thanks to Kosie Eloff for his professional manner, technical preparation and conversion of this text for e-book publishing. It is indeed an innovative project excellently done.
Lastly, all honour and humble gratitude to our loving ‘Weatherman, Helmsman and Guidesman,’2 for all His free blessings and gifts of grace that He has bestowed upon me so generously during the writing of this guidebook. Thank you for all the provision, blessings, grace, protection, support, strength, insights, knowledge and wisdom that I have received from You. We pray that You will bless every reader in order for them to realise their lifelong ideal and guide them to achieve their dreams On the Road to Success," and to make the most appropriate life choices with the main objective to inherit eternal life.
FOREWORD
As a birthday gift from my close friends Lorrie and Estelle, Reverend Henno Cronjé’s book entitled WHAT LIFE HAS TAUGHT ME, instinctively and instantly awoke in me the realization that this striking and inspiring message needs to be shared with a much wider audience, especially to appeal to the present and previously disadvantaged minority groups. This message is aimed specifically at this specific youth group to encourage, instil confidence and motivation in them.
After more than a decade’s unremitting meditation, reflection and contemplation, it became quite clear to me that this message simply has to be conveyed and made available and revealed to a much broader audience internationally. Particularly, for the youth, students, parents, grandparents and grey heads, especially for its strong motivational value, spiritual significance and prerequisites for eternal life, salvation invitation and deliverance message contained within the text.
The true value of these worldly wisdoms, life pointers and spiritual message lie herein that it must be read irrespective of the different personalities involved as such.
This is a brief summary and synopsis of the most important fundamental underlying principles and guidelines for life as experienced by various prominent leaders, outstanding Achievers and international role models and as personally shared with us.
An additional group of Achievers in South African society is also described more fully in Henno Cronjé’s1 book: WHAT LIFE HAS TAUGHT ME and is consequently quoted from at times.
This book is not a comprehensive or all-encompassing account of the great prototypical lives of how life ought to be, but rather a moment’s survey of their lives as they practically experienced life and what it means to them now.
Of the original previously historic disadvantaged group of 30 Achievers, 27 percent agreed to cooperate and participate: thereby they contributed their inputs unconditionally and freely. The total participating reference group of 38 people is therefore, according to estimate, a good reflection and at best a general and reasonable representative sample of the present South African leaders and her Achievers.
Given the limited sample size of these participants and the nine international icons, it is nevertheless widely considered an unequalled example of South Africa’s and international most outstanding and exemplarily leaders and Achievers from society. Their success stories as conveyed to us herein via e-mail, fax and/or in personal interviews are reflected in various occupational and professional fields during the previous four to five decades
Where possible, the relevant personal information, philosophies, worldviews, values and norms of the international and non-participating Achievers, as extracted from other sources, are included in the different chapters. This increased the total of the general sample group to 54. This represents 70 percent of the total Achievers group! According to available information, this representative survey is inimitably the only one of its kind in South Africa and worldwide to date.
The contributions of the persons who preferred granting personal interviews were noticeably more comprehensive and descriptive in nature as the others, given the latter’s availability, international travel plans and residence abroad.
Some of the respective leaders and Achievers personal profiles and curriculum vitae (CV’s) are presented in Sections B and C in the manual.
Where it was practically possible to use some secondary sources, namely books, other reference sources in professional Journals and Newspaper articles to include certain of their personal information, reference is made to these sources in their personal profiles and CV’s.
A true and sincere leader or Achiever is someone who shares his ideals, dreams and Lessons from Life with his fellow man and particularly, with the youth to consequently alert and stimulate success in their minds and hearts.
We trust that the new generation of young people will not reflect the haughty behaviour of the passive participants and ‘weak-excuses-group’ in their future lives, but will rather adopt principles in order that they will live their lives according to the Lessons of Life from the participating group respondents. We also trust that you will read their views and life experiences with special attention and interest.
The objective of this book’s layout is, on the one hand, to place the Achievers’ Lessons of Life in separate categories which will differentiate and underscore the dimensions of their statements and what life has taught them. On the other hand, another aim is to enable you to recall instantly their life wisdoms from your memory, in order to have them on hand for personal consideration, application and communication to colleagues, friends, family and especially the youth.
The unique features of this guidebook are inter alia:
The very interesting mix of South African and international Achievers in various occupations and their specific life philosophies, values, norms, spiritual and poetic anchors in life.
The wide spectrum of target markets applicable to this volume.
The succinct Fitness Hints that are divided into 22 categories, identifying 29 human body limbs, with a multitude of relevant Bible verses for each limb, which are all based on and from the Bible.
A separate table summarising all the Life Skills and their valuable applications.
The leadership development skills and competencies so essential for the youths of today.
In the discussion of success, the Achievers’ and the Great Master’s wisdoms are highlighted and were practically possible, their applicable values are accentuated.
The Bible and Business Economic principles and guidelines, which are applicable to the young generation in a work situation.
The Christian definition, formula, prerequisites for and description of how success can be achieved.
Each Chapter has its own set of Objectives, Reflections and Discussion questions.
The identification of the Right of Admission Requirements for heaven and eternal life.
The non-fiction, self-help, self-do guide, principles, discussion and reflection questions.
To illustrate further the primary aim of this book, a description is given by an internationally renowned Christian physicist and he further makes a scientific analysis thereof. He demonstrates how orderly the universe was created, the fine balance that there exists between all known chemical gases, material elements, oxygen, carbonic acid gas, photosynthesis processes, physical distances and the regular seasonal time cycles to sustain life for man, beast, plant and other nature life forms. This proves undeniably that there must have been ‘a Super-powerful, Almighty and All-wise watchmaker’ who created this universe and mother earth so perfectly and furthermore, maintains it so good for all of us and besides, and provides everything for nothing!
This book also includes a description of the Achievers’ personal profiles that will act as clear and inspirational guiding principles in the target markets for all:
Final year High school learners in Grade 12, which can serve as a farewell gift from School Boards, with the purpose to act as their life atlas and compass. It can also be prescribed by the Department of Education to be used in Grades 8-11 in their Life Orientation courses with the aim of exposing them to appropriate role models, icons and the Great Master’s life lessons and career successes, because it is a contemporary, living and existing truth and reflects South Africa’s and other great Achievers’ lives.
Students as a supplementary academic textbook in various strata of academia: Business Management, Social Science and Development, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Philosophy, Bible Studies, Life Skills and motivational courses.
Travel Agents who can include it in their travel documentation packages for tourists, holidaymakers and passengers on trains, ships, cars and busses or airlines.
Event Organisers who can also include it as a gift and/or handout in their documentation for the following targets groups:
- entrepreneurs and corporate executives
- policy makers
-
educationalists
- training and development consultants,
instructors and facilitators
- sociologists
- economists
-
industrial psychologists and psychologists
- anthropologists
-
spiritual leaders and
- representatives or delegates from nations
who attend leadership summits, congresses, conferences, seminars
and/or workshops.
This summary and division is not a comprehensive and total portrayal of the Achievers’ life experiences, prudence, witticisms and successes, but is at best a practical hat rack and walking stick, compass and reference for all:
senior citizens, young people, lovers and married couples, children and education experts, students and teachers, priests, elders, deacons, church members, catechists, and confirmands, managers and supervisors, industrial engineers, secretaries and workers, judges, advocates, attorneys, architects, quantity surveyors, inspectors, house decorators and clients, captains, air hostesses, crew, passengers and travel agents, doctors, nursing staff and patients, farmers, entrepreneurs and sales personnel, communication marketers, security and safety officers, grand fathers and grand mothers, fathers and mothers, uncles and aunts, brothers and sisters, cousins, nephews and dear friends, who can advantageously use and apply it.
The purpose of this volume is to assist learners and other young people to achieve success in their careers and life by referring to and using renowned international icons like: Nelson Mandela, Mark Shuttleworth, Dr. Anna Mokgokong, Dr. Anton Rupert, Gary Player, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Graham Bell, Prof. Albert Einstein, Dr. David Livingstone, Arthur Rubinstein, Rick Warren and many more great historical figures resembling Aristotle, Augustine, Shakespeare and Zeno.
The focus of this reading-book lies in the second part of Aristotle’s
quote:
"Second, have the necessary means to achieve your
ends – wisdom, money, materials and method."
In the discussion to follow the Achievers and the Great Master’s words of wisdom will be highlighted and where practically possible, their application value will be emphasised, because wisdom is the foundation and prerequisite for all riches, wealth (whether it be spiritual or material), insight and success.
Given the personal experiences of these Achievers, their success stories are ipso facto subjective in nature and a list of country leaders selected according to different criteria will therefore, produce different Lessons from Life. These success stories are a necessary condition for your career motivation, but not necessarily sufficient to sustain your personal growth or success, because your development is inherently dependent on yourself in order to determine your own horizons and to believe in the power of your dreams!
David and Solomon also state:
"The laws of the LORD are
right, and those who obey them are happy. The commands of the LORD
are just and give understanding to the mind. The worship of the LORD
is good; it will continue for ever. The judgements of the LORD are
just; they are always fair. Psalms 19:8-9
"Teach us how short our life is, so that we may become wise." Psalms 90:12
"It is the LORD who gives wisdom; from him come knowledge and understanding. He provides help and protection for righteous, honest men. He protects those who treat others fairly, and guards those who are devoted to him. If you listen to me, you will know what is right, just, and fair. You will know what you should do." Proverbs 2:6-9
"To be wise you must first obey the LORD. If you know the Holy One, you have understanding. Wisdom will add years to your life." Proverbs 9:10-11
"Hold on to your wisdom and insight, my son. Never let them get away from you. They will provide you with life – a pleasant and happy life. You can go safely on your way and never even stumble." Proverbs 3:21-23
"Keep company with the wise and you will become wise. If you make friends with stupid people, you will be ruined." Proverbs 13:20
"God gives wisdom, knowledge, and happiness to those who please him." Ecclesiastes 2:26
Furthermore, Isaiah also reminds everyone that:
"The LORD is
the everlasting God; … He never grows tired or weary. No one
understands his thoughts (wisdom)." Isaiah 40:28
Job, James and Paul also confirm this in these words:
"Old
men have wisdom, but God has wisdom and power. Old men have insight;
God has insight and power to act." Job 12:12-13
"To be wise, you must worship the LORD. To understand (to have insight), you must turn from evil." Job 28:28
"But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should pray to God, who will give it to him; because God gives generously and graciously to all." James 1:5
"Think about what I am saying, because the LORD will enable you (with wisdom) to understand it all." 2 Timothy 2:7
Notwithstanding this, we trust that these Lessons from Life will be of value and be applicable to the above-mentioned occupational groups and individuals and will offer common ground to all.
These wisdoms are especially applicable to those persons who hold a Calvinistic view of the Christian values and Protestant Work Ethic and who believe in a free market system and capitalistic dispensation, where the principles of non-discrimination, justice, fairness and rewards, according to performance, apply.
The ideas on work ethics, management premises, business economic values and the business declaration on business beliefs, starts with the fact that the writer naturally thinks, writes and breathes as a Christian. Understandably, then, these sections are written from a Christian perspective and therefore the reader must be aware of that from the outset.
In juxtaposition to this, is the notion that the author has always been acutely aware of and sensitive to the reality that we live in a pluralistic society and a rich multi-cultural community: thus some readers may not necessarily have or share the same spiritual beliefs and convictions as those mentioned.
Notwithstanding this view, these human life secrets do not intend to exclude those who are mainly of another opinion, differently minded, or who have different religions and/or who may still have an interest in the true and real life secrets.
We trust that this volume will be courteous and considerately polite taking into account the feelings of the reading public and, at the same time, expecting from those to adapt and apply these Christian convictions and views into their own religious thought patterns, or spiritual order of thoughts. Despite these principles and lessons of life that have a South African orientation and perspective, they are nonetheless, universal in nature and applicable worldwide to everyone in a democracy and capitalistic system, irrespective of their:
Language (which involves the use of vocal sounds in meaningful patterns to form, express and communicate in words, thoughts, ideas and feelings to another person with the same background, experience, understanding or comprehension)
Tribe (a specific social group which possesses a definite territory, having a distinct dialect, a homogeneous and distinctive culture)
Race (a biological unit and human group that, on the basis of a combination of more or less similar hereditarily determined and specified characteristics, is grouped together)
Nation (a political and cultural unit and human group that, on the basis of a common and joint culture ownership - having its own language, culture, practices, customs, traditions and historical development which has been established over long lasting co-habitation and that belongs together)
Creed/Faith (a specific religion) and/or
Continent (any of the principal land masses of the earth, usually regarded as including Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America).
It is our sincere wish that these life jewels will dramatically influence you, your family, circle of friends, colleagues and acquaintances and that every reader will find inspiration and motivation in these rich experiences of the Achievers from whom we all can learn.
We have therefore attempted especially to present this text as captivating, graceful, tactful and helpful as possible.
LAYOUT
The Chapters in this book are compiled as follows:
The Introduction mirrors the Invitation Letter to the previously disadvantaged Achievers to identify them and list their participation, as well as a classical quotation, prologue, dedication, preface, acknowledgements, foreword and the layout of this book. The Foreword also identifies the different target markets for this book.
Section A (with its various chapters on Life Philosophies, Worldviews and Worldly Wisdoms of the leaders and Achievers) also portrays their statements, attitude of mind and personal beliefs in alphabetical order. A very practical and useful example of a life philosophy is illustrated with the metaphor of a Fruit Jar in this Section.
Furthermore, the different Values and Norms on which the Achievers strongly voiced their opinions are identified and listed separately.
Since all the leader figures found themselves in a working environment, they also emphasised and expressed certain work ethics which are further highlighted with some personal views on Management Philosophy, Management Premises and Ethics, Management Axioms, Business Economic Values and a Business Declaration.
In the Lessons from Life and Life’s Secrets, various leaders quoted Bible texts, which have been inspirational to them throughout their lives; they quoted and referred to poems and poetic verses that provided them with inner strength in times of profound trails and serious tribulations.
In the Concluding Remarks, all the common factors and the most suitable and striking Life Philosophies, Worldviews, Life Wisdoms and Religious Anchors of the leaders (which will indicate further to you a clear road to success and which can also serve as a common compass) are identified specifically. In this section, the importance of Time, its definition, fundamental characteristics and nature are highlighted in particular.
A synopsis of a Business Statement and Business Beliefs is included in the summary.
The Salutation mirrors a sparkling poem that identifies unmistakably and concisely the criteria for the human race’s survival, while at the same time, illustrates the far-reaching consequences thereof, if it is not adhered to!
For the scientific doubting Thomas’ disbelievers, agnostics and even atheists who still have qualms about and doubt the orderly creation of the celestial universe and the human race’s future existence: there are two very simple mathematical formulae that will prove their faith otherwise.
In this section, there is also a formula, Christian definition and a description and analysis of the prerequisites and achievement for Success. This section also includes a scientific explanation, proof and analysis of the existence of an orderly creation and fine balance there exists on the day of creation of the universe and earth. The amazing splendour of the creation, a broad classification of the most common natural life forms and a wonderful natural phenomenon that was observed, are briefly sketched in this section as well.
Following these powerful equations, you are now placed in front of a great challenging choice of a lifetime to decide and determine which icon’s life philosophy, values, norms or life style you want to follow: a human one or a spiritual one?
The third-last section offers a number of fitness tips for the body based on and from the Bible precepts that will enable you to take-on life’s demands and to cope with them successfully.
The penultimate section offers a summary table condensing the life skills of the Achievers and their applicable values for you.
Lastly, the closing thoughts furnish you with some emergency numbers, which you can ‘phone’ when experiencing whatever distresses you are faced with in life. Furthermore, they will enable you to make the all-important choice.
A list of essential Entrance Prerequisites to the New Creation and a request prayer that you can say to ensure that you inherit eternal life are supplied as well. The concepts ‘Hereto’, ‘Until Now’ and ‘From Here On’ are also explored, explained and illustrated further in this chapter.
Section B includes some of Achievers’ Personal Profiles and describes more fully their careers.
Section C outlines the Achievers’ Curriculum Vitae.
Section D provides an Epilogue that highlights certain life wisdoms and the particular effort, contribution and benefits of the book that serve as a guideline on how a person can model his lifestyle by following these truths. The challenge to young people and the older generation on the acquisition of a new mindset/paradigm shift regarding the adoption process and approach to the new dispensation period is also emphasised and clearly phrased. The suitability and intention of these guidelines for the various target markets are pointed out in finer detail.
The Postscript includes the most critical and essential life survival questions on which you have to make the fundamental decision of will and are compelled to answer to yourself and God in an oath of alliance.
Section E lists some general Discussion Questions in Appendix 1.
Section F provides Source References and Explanatory Notes per Chapter.
Section G lists the Index for Achievers and a Terminology/Word description List.
Section H includes the Publication List of the author.
Section I provides the Book’s statistics.
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDEBOOK
This text is filled with scientific literature, references and Bible quotes. It is thus difficult to dictate which reading method should be used as a reader, teacher, lecturer, instructor, consultant or facilitator. The reading public’s needs and tastes differ greatly, but notwithstanding these differences, the LORD will bless anyone who sincerely reads his message with hope, expectation, with or without a method. The different methods presented can be applied meaningfully in school tasks and university work assignments, the business world, at Bible study meetings and general group discussions.
Each Chapter also has its own set of Objectives, Reflections and Discussion questions in order to ensure that the content of the book meets the didactic requirements for school and university training as well as the needs of business and society.
The purpose of the inclusion of the art clip graphics is to sharpen and focus the principle of association with the thoughts, words and deeds of the Achievers in the reader’s senses and to strengthen it further.
In this book, unless the context indicates otherwise, the male shall import the female and the singular shall include the plural and vice versa.
BuL Lombard
Pretoria
2012
SECTION A
CHAPTER 1
OBJECTIVES
To give an overview of the Achievers’ Life Philosophy and Worldview in the community
To illustrate a practical life philosophy
LIFE PHILOSOPHY AND WORLDVIEW
Dr. Louw Alberts: Scientist, Philosopher, Astronomer and Chief Executive Officer
He refers to the importance of contentment and concludes: "Too often we are unhappy because we do not enjoy and appreciate that which we have while we yearn for that which we would like to have or like to be."
He further believes that it is beneficial to remind us constantly that "... there are many people on planet earth who are worse off than ourselves and who are, at the same time, possibly much more talented and worthy."
"Our circumstances provide some with more privileges than others, but the joy that comes through Christ is not qualified by time and place.
"Our best and most beautiful work and accomplishments will eventually pass, but that which is accomplished in the kingdom of God will never perish. This is optimal meaningfulness."
Audrey Blignault: Writer, Teacher and Radio Announcer
"Ultimately, I believe that accepting the challenge of life is determined by the strength of one’s spirit." - Yvonne Chaka Chaka: Radio Commentator and Singer
When interviewed and asked what her worldview is, she replied:
"When I grew up my mother worked as a domestic worker and I was really one of those unfortunate kids to lose a brother at the age of 11. Therefore, it was very difficult, but I think everybody has an ambition, whether it is adults or children. I always wanted to work for people. I have always wanted to see myself being out there in the limelight. I did not know how, because I just came from a poor family, but I did not want my family background to retard my progress. I made sure that I am not depending on anybody. I have to do it on my own. The fact that my mother was a strict parent did not matter. She was there for us when we needed her. That actually made me want to work harder.
"So, everything I have done I have achieved myself personally, but with a little bit of help from the family. I come from a very close-knit family. I have six sisters and a mother. For me it was just great to have people who supported me in everything that I did.
"Sometimes, they would think that I’m a chance taker and a risk taker. I maintain, however, that it is good to take a risk, but make sure that you do not confuse risk taking with being reckless. For me that becomes very important.
"When I completed my matric I was unfortunate in the sense that I didn’t manage to go to university at that time. There was no money. My mother wanted me to be a lawyer, but there was no money. I applied for lots of bursaries and I got none, because I was a child of a nobody family - it was not easy for me to get a bursary. Therefore, I struggled along, but I know God loves us all and He is always watching from a distance. God actually knows what is there for us. He knew long before I was even conceived what He intended for me, because those were not my intentions, they were His intentions, His plans that I have to live according too."
When asked what her life philosophy was she replied:
"Love and respect yourself, and moreover
I think that a learning nation is a better one."
"You know, you have to love yourself. You have to believe in yourself, because nobody else will do that for you. If you do not believe, love and respect yourself, how do you expect other people to do that to you? You know, for me it’s just a principle forward – show respect and self-respect and then other people will respect you."
What message do you have for the youth or for parents?
"I’m still my mother’s child. I still have the respect for her despite that I am buying her XYZ, but I am still her daughter. Because of the experience that she has as an adult, I take her seriously and I listen to her. I give her my opinion and say: ‘No mom, I think so and so … I still take everything seriously that she says to me.
"To our children, as I have pointed out, they are here right now. This is when they are supposed to take life seriously, so that when they are out there on their own and not being able to depend on anybody, nor on their parents, they could be able to do things or make decisions on their own and say: ’My mother or my father taught me to do this and that …’
"We’re also not getting younger. I always say to my kids: ‘I was once 19 as well. I had six sisters and now I am a parent. What makes you so different from me? You live now… I have a 19-year old son and I think all children think their parents are ‘dumb’.
"I can tell you that if you don’t do XYZ you will regret it, because time is not going back. You are going forward. I think it is very very important for us to be there for our children and guide them and not confuse them out there or force our ideas into their minds; just be there for them, especially when needed.
"Don’t force them, but just point out and say: ‘You know you can try this, but really I wouldn’t advise you to do that because of XYZ. Let them do it. Let them play with fire, but point out empathetically that if you play with fire, the fire will definitely burn you. Literally, ‘If you don’t want to listen, you must feel!’
"To parents I caution: Sometimes we become very hard on our children, whereas we, as parents, may be wrong in a particular case or point in time. Things can go wrong. I do not want to pretend that we can never give wrong or ill advice, but it can go wrong sometimes. As adults and parents, we do need to listen to what our children have to say, because they are also independent individuals as well. They think and act independently. They’ve got their own ideas and maybe one can learn something from a child, because kids are very honest and they don’t do things on purpose to be malicious and therefore, I think we as adults can learn a lot from them."
Mimi Coertse: Opera Singer
"You can have all the talent under the sun, but if you are not in the right place at the right time, you can sometimes wait for years for the right opportunity to make your dreams come true."
Willem Cruywagen: High School Principal and Administrator
On one street corner, a young shoe-shiner in London wrote above his workplace: ‘I’m not a star, but I can shine’. "He had discovered the winning recipe that quality and good service will draw clients. Everything one does should carry the hallmark of quality and excellence; in this way, one acquires an identity, which is unmistakably one’s own!
"One has no control over the duration of one’s life, but God has thought it well to leave the content, quality and measure of usefulness which we invest it within our own hands. This demands from each of us a conscious decision to make life meaningful.
"It is therefore worthwhile to do everything you do well and to do the best of your ability. Life is a gift from God, and therefore life and religious worship are one, because life is both an instruction and a calling.
"If you go all out in doing the best with the talents you have, nothing can stand in your way!
"To me faith is a foundation, a light and an anchor for life."
Rev. Izak de Villiers: Poet-minister and Editor
"To live is to learn. Certain truths are unfortunately replaced by other truths. This is part of what Paul calls the ‘changeable things’. Only the ‘unchangeable’ things remain, those things that are truly of God – but to make the distinction, there’s the challenge."
Mandla Langa: Playwright, Musical Opera and Creative Writer, Communicator and Journalist
"I believe that nothing should be taken for granted.
"An adjunct to this is the understanding that the world’s reaction to oneself is proportionate to how one deals with the world.
"To that extent, I always invoke the saying: ‘The eye with which you look at the world is the same eye with which the world looks at you.’"
Piet Liebenberg: Banker
"Finally, I am thankful that my wife and I are bound together by our shared faith in Christ, which has also enriched our marriage. For this, we can never give enough thanks to the Creator.
"For this reason my principles of the Christian faith today is the most important part of my life; even more important than my family that I so much love, because, through faith, one receives calmness, peace of mind and love for all of God’s creatures. This peace is beyond comprehension.
"Thereby we must also trust our fellow man; that is also what the LORD through his son Jesus Christ expects from us, because, trust creates trust."
As a Business Economist, Management Consultant, Industrial Psychologist, Professional Manager and Academic, the writer found the following life philosophy very interesting and instructive:
LIFE’S FRUIT JAR
When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the fruit jar and the two cups of coffee.
Years ago, my Ph.D. Committee Chairman, Professor Garth L Mangum, former Director of the Human Resources Institute at the College of Business, University of Utah in Salt Lake City, stood before us in his Human Resources Management philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty fruit jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked us as students if the jar was full. We all agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked us as students again if the jar was full. We agreed that it was.
He then next picked up a box of dune sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. We as students responded with a unanimous ‘yes.’
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.
We burst out laughing.
"Now," said our professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.
"The golf balls are the important things - God, your family, your children, your friends, your health, and your favourite passions – and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
"The pebbles are the other things that matter - like your job, your house and your car.
"The sand is everything else - the small stuff.
"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room and time for the things that are important to you.
"Pay attention to the things that are critical to your
happiness.
Talk to God.
Take your spouse out to dinner.
Play
with your children and grandchildren.
Take time to get medical
checkups.
Visit your friends and play a squash game, tennis or
another 18.
There will always be time to finish a task, to clean
the house, fix the disposal or wash the car.
Take care of the
golf balls first - the things that really matter.
Set your
priorities.
The rest is just sand."
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled.
"I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend!"
Please share this life philosophy and truth with someone you care about most.
Personalised by the author from an unknown e-mail source.
Nelson Mandela: The World’s most Renowned Icon
Former President of the African National Congress and Former State President of South Africa
From the defence in the dock at the Rivonia Trial in 1963, he emphasized:
"I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities."
Educational Goals
The Constitution, which is also supplemented by an ANC Action Plan, stresses the importance of education, mentioning this already in the Bill of Rights:
"Everyone has the right -
- to a basic education, including
adult basic education and
- to further education, which the
state, through reasonable measures,
must make progressively
available and accessible."
Again, the Constitution of 1996 can be seen as the fulfilment of the ANC Freedom Charter of 1955:
"All people shall have equal right to use their own languages and to develop their own folk culture and customs. … The aim of education shall be to teach the youth to love their people and their culture, to honour human brotherhood, liberty and peace; education shall be free, compulsory, universal and equal for all children. Higher education and technical training shall be opened to all by means of state allowances and scholarships awarded on the basis of merit. Adult illiteracy shall be ended by a mass state education plan."