Comments From the Executive Editor
Paul D. Robbins
January 1, 1981
Few people know that Albert Einstein once postulated a mathematical formula for success. He said, "Success equals X + Y + Z. X is work, Y is play, and Z is 'keep your mouth shut!' "
For several months we found ourselves hiding behind letter Z when pressures built about addressing the subjects of success and growth. These two words may well be the "buzz" words (as in buzzsaw) of our time. In almost any setting, they have the capacity to ignite intense interest and passion.
One pastor described it this way: "An informal comment between two ministers such as 'Have you heard about the successful singles ministry at First Church?' will bring a hush over the monthly ministerial meeting that would make the creators of the E. F. Hutton commercials jealous."
On page 54, Vernon Grounds asks "What is success?" a question that doggedly followed us for several months. Next to the subject of conflict, no theme has been more requested by our readers and, likewise, no topic has elicited such sharply contrasting opinions from them.
This response made us wish for the skills of G. K. Chesterton, the master of paradox. Chesterton could reveal opposites as both having validity.
Not being that talented, we chose an easier route, but one we think might be more helpful-a firm belief in the intelligence and maturity of our readers. This may seem like a gratuitous statement until we explain that 1) many manuscripts were rejected because we thought they told you something about success and growth you already knew, and 2) we thought you would want a broad cross-section of articles that represent no one school of thought and, in fact, might seem contradictory.
For example, you'll see clear methodology conflicts in the Forum discussion. The articles by Peter ...
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