This week's Theme: Treasures of Wisdom
Day 1: The conclusion
In early January 2022, several major publications reported that Apple Inc. had become the first company to reach a market value of $3 Trillion.
Owners and investors have reaped massive financial benefits from the tech giant. When the most recognizable face of Apple— Steve Jobs— passed away in 2011, his net worth was reported to be over $10 billion.
Cofounder Steve Wozniak permanently left the company as an employee in 1985, and sold most of his stock. But he has retained some shares in Apple and maintains ties with the company in a limited, unique "ambassador" role. According to thestreet.com, Wozniak's net worth was estimated at $140 million by some accounts, and at $10 million by others— as of May 2024.
The financial story is vastly different for one other little-known cofounder, Ronald Wayne. Wikipedia and other sources state that twelve days after the three founded Apple on April 1, 1976, Wayne sold his 10% share of the company back to Jobs and Wozniak. A year later, he sold all remaining rights to any future claims on the company. All told, his gains amounted to $2300. Today, his 10% stock in Apple would be worth $95 to $100 billion.
Evaluated from purely a financial perspective, Wayne's decision seems short-sighted and costly. And yet, the hardly-recognized cofounder has repeatedly said he does not regret his decision. He believes he had good reason for his decision, and has concluded that the path that led away from Apple was the right choice for his life.
For us, too, life's choices can often be challenging and complex. Decisions may be influenced by our circumstances in a particular timeframe, by external pressures, or by our best assessment of a whirlpool of data, emotions, and personal convictions. But any, or all of these can be faulty or unbalanced.
Yet, what is the alternative? Although the filters of conventional wisdom may be useful and prudent in many instances, they may not necessarily be the means of choosing the best.
Scripture provides answers in its treasures of wisdom. The Book of Proverbs alone is at treasure-chest of practical insights and information. The answers are not always easy, and the path may lead to the road...less traveled by. But fear, derision, uncertainty, and second-guessing will never shake a conviction that is rooted in the test of all tests:
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
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