“Solving problems for others, as for instance your HVVEG does, is not the only path to success. There are many selfish yet prosperous people in this world. But- it’s the only sure path to success. Help others, and you yourself absolutely cannot fail in the long run.” -AStJS-G
Sometimes, Aloysius (who often signs his name as AStJS-G) says things in natural conversation that are worth noting in and of themselves. This is one of them.
Please give his words some thought today.
*****
As for that acronym, HVVEG, let's have a look at what it means. The following dialogue is from the very first meeting, in 1940 at the height of the Battle of Britain, between Aloysius and his future wife, Victoria Saunterton.
Victoria: “Your family has done such good works! Social causes, Victory Gardens during the Great War…”
“It is a tradition which goes back very far with us, Miss Saunterton."
“I think that is very noble of you all."
“Are you involved in any causes, Miss Saunterton?”
“Yes. My parents and I are strong supporters of HVVEG.”
A slightly confused pause. He desperately searched his memory, but nowhere could he find any hint of what this was. He had to ask it: “HVVEG?”
An impish, lopsided, absolutely compelling grin resulted. “Honor, Virtus, Veritas, Exellentia, Gaudium. It is a club whose mission is to enable less advantaged children to further their education, thus ending the cycle in their family, or community, of no education and no bright future. We’re not well-known. Yet.” Sudden steel in her voice at the word “yet.”
“I see. An intriguing name. That last word… the Latin means ‘joy’, yes?”
“Correct.” Still the grin. Directed at him…
“The word ‘joy’ is normally quite missing from the names of social causes, or indeed from the world of education.”
“And that, Flight Lieutenant Gack, is precisely why we have put it there.”
What a remarkable woman.
*****
Go ahead. Consider putting the gaudium back in what you do.
"precisely why we have put it there"
I like her. I like the way she thinks.
Posted by: Joel | 11/29/2011 at 11:00 PM