Words From Walt
Page 19 of 20
January 2
I think by this time my staff, my young group of executives, and everyone else are convinced that Walt is right. The quality will out. And so I think they're going to stay with that policy because it's proved that it's a good business policy. Give the people everything you can give them. Keep the place as clean as you can keep it. Keep it friendly, you know. Make it a real fun place to be. I think they're convinced and I think they'll hang on ... if ... as you say ... well, after Disney. |
To have a sense of one's own mortality must be a heavy burden. Walt Disney lived with this sense and feared that he would not be able to accomplish everything he wanted before he died. According to Bob Thomas' biography, Walt Disney - An American Original, a fortuneteller predicted that he would die by his 35th birthday. Though certainly the prediction would not come true and though Walt was not a particularly superstitious person, this prophecy of doom would loom over Walt for the rest of his life.
Upon his death December 15, 1966, the company moved forward to continue the dreams that Walt left on the drawing board. Roy O. Disney had hoped to retire, but upon his brother's death, moved forward to open Walt Disney World in Florida five years later. At the Studios and at WED, the question that was often asked was "What would Walt do?" Each unit of the Company tried to fulfill the business philosophies of quality, cleanliness, friendliness and fun that served as the touchstones of Walt's success throughout his life.
Walt accomplished more in his life than most people could ever dream. He was a doer, the ultimate self-made man. The fact that you are reading this right now is a testament to his greatness. His genius touched people's lives in untold ways. His fantasy worlds served to inspire generations of fans. Mickey Mouse is still a household name when many creations of nearly 75 years are all but forgotten. His legacy is that he brought happiness and laughter to countless millions.
I have had the honor of bringing this quote series to you everyday this month in celebration of Walt Disney's 100th birthday. I never had the opportunity to meet the man behind the corporation. And yet his life has inspired me in countless ways. Because of my fascination with the magical worlds he produced, my life has been "plussed" in so many ways. I met my best friend and wife while we were both working at the Disney Store. Kathy and I have been together for 10 years, married for two and a half. I have met and become friends with wonderful people, like Doobie and Rebekah, because of Disney. I have enjoyed many happy memories with family and friends on visits to Disney's theme parks. My life is what it is because Walt was right and his organization did hang on.
We all have our own Disney memories through the years. For many of us, they are happy, cherished memories. Hopefully, this Walt's Words series has made you think about the man behind the magic. His legacy will live on as long as we remember the person who said these words. And hopefully they will inspire. Inspire you to reach for the stars to make your own dreams come true. Leave the world a better place than how you found it. And live each day to the fullest, with family and friends whenever possible. Walt's words are words to live by.
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-- Matthew Walker
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