"The Bottom Line"

Everything I Needed to Know I Learned from Ronald Reagan

The Tao of Dutch

by Thomas Lindaman
06/16/04

With the death of Ronald Reagan, I spent some time thinking about his impact on the world and on my life. I wasn't always the biggest Reagan fan growing up, but with time, maturity, and a swift kick in the head by reality, I became one. He wasn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but he was perhaps one of the very best men to have ever been President.

In retrospect, I've found I learned a lot from Mr. Reagan, lessons that stick with me to this day. I'm going to present a few of them now.

I learned that America will always be one of the greatest forces for good in the world, so long as both exist.

I learned that optimism and faith can beat tyranny.

I learned that sticking to your guns, even when no one else is behind you, is not always a sign of weakness.

I learned that some things really are black and white.

I learned not to laugh with them, but laugh before them.

I learned that disagreement does not have to be disagreeable.

I learned that big problems cannot wait.

I learned that hiding the truth early on will only make things worse when it's discovered.

I learned the power of language and how simple stories can be profound.

I learned that being "old fashioned" has its merits.

I learned that thinking on a larger scale may not always be understood or appreciated when it's done.

I learned that if you want something badly enough, you have to be willing to act on it.

I learned that detractors who claim to have all the answers may not have any answers.

I learned the importance of keeping a sense of humor, even in the most grave situations.

I learned that the important things in life are worth holding your ground to get.

I learned that acting on your gut instinct can be better advise than a thousand advisors could give.

I learned that being a gracious winner is just as important as being a gracious loser.

I learned that strength is not always measured in the size and scope of your stockpile of weapons.

I learned that love of your country is never out of fashion.

I learned that some things may be out of your control, but they are not always barriers to success.

I learned to be as unpredictable as the situation will allow.

I learned that brevity is the soul of wit...and of winning battles of words.

But most importantly, I learned that a life worth living is worth living with honor.

Thank you, Mr. President. You have been a great teacher to us all.

And that's the Bottom Line.