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By Rich Simon It seems astonishing that even just two or three decades ago, parents not only pretty much knew what was expected of them to turn their offspring into civilized adults, but they could actually count on society to back them up. Even more astounding, kids seemed to understand this, too. Even if they rebelled against, yelled about, or sullenly resented how “unfair” adults were, they seemed to acknowledge adult authority and realize that they would just have to wait until they turned 18 to get for themselves the keys to the kingdom of grown-up independence. | The Ride Home - Page 3 |
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"How come?" he asked. "Well," I said, dragging out the e, as if by doing so I'd find a way out of really answering his question. "I guess I just feel like I have a lot of catch-up to do." He smiled knowingly. This wasn't our first conversation on this subject. I glanced over at him. He was dressed in the green blazer that used to belong to my grandfather—the man we'd buried this morning. It had looked better on my grandfather. Even at age 92, when his 6'1" frame had long since been stooped by years in business and politics, he'd always maintained a commanding presence. He'd had spent his life trying to be perceived as important. "I still worry about whether I've made the right decision. It's like this is my last chance to start over if I'm going to be successful." "What does being Ôsuccessful' mean to you?" Dad asked in that familiar probing way. I wasn't sure how to answer the question. I'd left finance because it felt empty. There was rarely a personal connection, and I missed that. The only time I ever enjoyed venture capital was when the subject shifted to something other than finance. Every so often, a tired CEO would vent about his struggles with his kids or the stress of an upcoming business deal. I found myself coming to life and experiencing what the world looked like through their eyes. It made me feel as if I were doing more than just building wealth. |