PLATFORM : The Value of Values

Greed and money were major forces in the 1980s. During that period many in my generation concluded--or were taught--that we were not supposed to be concerned about issues such as racism, sexism, nationalism and the environment. Instead, we were to search for money, wealth and status--things that are tangible and quantifiable.

Recently, there seems to be more concern about ethics and more interest in the environment and human issues. I’m concerned about the apathy that allowed the corruption that led to the savings-and-loan crisis.

I can gauge material success by how much money I make. However, how do you gauge your success when it comes to dealing with ethics and human issues--matters that are more abstract and vague? I think a lot of people in my generation are going through changes and asking these questions.

We saw people like Michael Milken and Ivan Boesky as superheroes of the business world. We saw their rise and decided we wanted to do the same. Now we’re beginning to see the fall of these people and we’re being forced to re-examine their values.