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A Lesson on Family from George H. W. Bush

In our world where the powerful survive, it is necessary to stop and remember what is more important in life than simply climbing the corporate ladder.

In former President George H. W. Bush’s diary it is clear that family was more important to him than his ascent to the world’s most powerful office. Here is an excerpt from a letter then-Vice President Bush sent to his newest grandchild Lauren Bush shortly after her birth:

“It’s a funny thing—when you get older, even if you have an exciting life surrounded by interesting people and having a chance to meet all the world’s leaders—even with all of that—what counts is family and love[1].”

Page after page, this diary makes clear that family was more important to George Bush than any office he ever held, and that perspective is what ultimately got him through the bitter defeat in his 1992 re-election bid.

I assume most of my readers are neither President nor VP, but that does not diminish the work you do. Regardless of your title, make sure that you always remember your first responsibility is to the ones you call family.

Make it a habit to take time away from work to spend time with your spouse and kids. Your children will not be impressed with how much money you make, how hard you work, or how many people call you “sir;” they just want to spend time with you.

Don’t let your employees, employers, or coworkers have more access to you then your own family does. When it is all said and done—what really counts—is family and love.



[1] Bush, George Herbert Walker, All the Best, p.336
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