The Leaders of OPEC Wanted Him to Wear His Cowboy Hat
Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, lessons learned the hard way, and the resilience required to move forward. One piece of wisdom that resonates deeply with me comes from Dean Smith, the legendary basketball coach. He taught that when you make a mistake, the process is simple yet profound: recognize it, admit it, learn from it, and most importantly, forget it. This philosophy isn't just about basketball; it's a blueprint for life. It's about not allowing our failures to define us but to teach us. You mess up, you learn, and then you let it go. Tom Brady once said, “champions have very short memories.”
I started attending OPEC meetings back in 1987 and 1988, when I was chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission. At that time, oil prices had plummeted to $6 a barrel, severely impacting Texas's economy and real estate market. I wanted to know who dictates carrot prices worldwide; so, I decided to visit OPEC meetings.
During one of my visits, coinciding with Larry Hagman's stay in Vienna, where the OPEC headquarters are. So, I reached out to him. After introducing myself, Hagman returned my call, and I proposed introducing him to the OPEC ministers. This meeting turned out to be a hit; the ministers were overjoyed to meet him, akin to kids celebrating their first birthday. They eagerly lined up for photos with Hagman, who was dressed as his iconic character, J.R. Ewing, complete with cowboy boots and hat. The event made headlines, showcasing "JR meets OPEC," and even in subsequent meetings, people would inquire about J.R., as if I had a personal connection to him.
An intriguing example of unintended consequences comes from an attempt by the Indian government to solve a cobra infestation problem. In an effort to reduce the number of cobras, they offered a bounty for each dead snake. However, enterprising individuals began breeding cobras to cash in on the bounty. When the government caught on and stopped the payments, all those bred cobras were released, worsening the problem.
In Texas, a wildfire has burned over a million acres of land. The devastation of land, homes, and wildlife in these fires is heart-wrenching, illustrating the unpredictable force of nature. Yet, it's the stories of communities coming together, firefighters battling tirelessly, and individuals stepping up to support each other that stand out. These moments of unity and strength in the face of adversity remind us of the indomitable spirit of Texans and people everywhere when confronted with challenges.
When it comes to generosity, the story of a billion-dollar donation to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine is nothing short of inspirational. It's a testament to the power of giving back, a single act that can light up the path for countless future medical professionals. This grand gesture isn't just about the money; it's about believing in a cause greater than oneself. Philanthropy, especially at this scale, sets a beacon of hope, showing us the incredible impact we can have on the world. And while the behind-the-scenes of such donations might involve careful planning and dialogue, at its core, it's about aligning vision with action, about making a lasting difference. It's a powerful reminder that in the grand scheme of things, it's not just about how much you give, but the heart behind the giving.
