“If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” Isaac Newton
Alex Haley, the author of Roots, used to keep a picture in his office of a turtle sitting atop a fencepost. He kept it there to remind him of a lesson he had learned years before: “If you see a turtle on a fencepost, you know he had some help” Haley remarked. “Anytime I start thinking, ‘Wow, isn’t this marvelous what I’ve done!’ I look at that picture and remember how this turtle—me—got up on that post.”
We all stand on the shoulders of those who have preceded us. Yes, we have worked hard and been diligent, but we didn’t get where we are without help. When we’re unaware of the contributions of others, we’ll have an inflated perspective on our successes and become proud and arrogant. When we embrace the fact that our lives have been buoyed by the generosity of others, gratitude and humility will prevail.
There’s something about being a grandparent that helps one see the full circle of life. When I’m with my 2-year-old granddaughter, I often think of the unheralded sacrifice my parents made just getting me through the early years of my life. (Back in the 1950s, there were no disposable diapers.) Did I ever thank them for their constant sacrifice?
As I look back on my career, I should applaud the people who supported me in ways large and small. I am here, now because they were there, then.
As I consider my current state of being, I realize my life and career would collapse without the steady support of many friends and colleagues.
But we must do more than be grateful, we must express our gratitude. William Arthur Ward said, “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” Express gratitude directly to those who have helped you. Acknowledge them publicly. If someone has positively impacted your life, raise a glass and make a toast to honor their contribution.
Travel with Friends 2026 trip to the Iberian Peninsula
Click below for a brochure about the trip.
Iberian-Peninsula-2026-Final Brochure
Travel with Friends Information Meeting
On Zoom – Join me for a Zoom meeting on Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 7:00-8:00pm. If you want to join this Zoom meeting, email me at djmcminn@msn.com and I’ll send you a link. You can download Zoom for free. You can also participate via a conference call using your mobile phone.
At both meetings, we’ll discuss the itinerary, accommodations, and ports of call. The Q&A will answer all your questions.
If you have any questions, email me at djmcminn@msn.com or call me at 214.783.4414