RICHES OF MR. FORD

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3620, 31 March 1927, Page 4

RICHES OF MR. FORD

NO W,ILL TO BE MADE. OPPOSED TO ENDOWMENTS. “ONE OF THE WORLD’S CURSES.” San Francisco, February 24. Henry Ford, said to be the world’s richest man, stated the other day, on his return from visitin" 1 Mr. Edinson on his eightieth birthday, that he intended not making any will, as he wished his business to continue undisturbed by his death. The subject of his money was, he said, distasteful to him; its only good to him was that it afforded him a means to experiment to make life more liveable. “Any business, if it is operated on proper lines, is not dependent on a single individual,” said Mr. Ford. “It is the duty of rich men to use their resources in helping others recognise and grasp opportunity. Giving money is the act of a lazy man. I think it is better to probe a man’s problem and give him advice that will help him solve it. Success is predicated on experience, which teaches the greatest good for the greatest number. Luck and destiny are the excuses for the world’s failures. Don’t look for luck; make it. “Endownment is an opiate of imagination,” Mr. Ford said., “It is a drug on initiative. One of the greatest curses of the world to-day is the habit of endowing this or that. What Church can you mention that is in the forefront of civic activity, striving to teach up-to-date Christianity, live and virile, that is endowed? No, inertia, smug satisfaction always follow endowment. It is but another form of charity. Both are out-of-date.

Be never satisfied with present conditions, but labour for something constructive and better.” The world’s greatest need to day, in Mr. Ford’s opinion, is better children, better schools, more agreeable physical surroundings and a larger life for the people.