The Commencement Speech of Humility

DEFINED NOT BY REACTION

On a stage a man stands. The room has anticipated this for quite some time. Laughter is now silent. Loud outbursts are now respectful gestures. Dancing to tunes are changed to a relaxing much-anticipated melody. The melody is not one of singing. Although one could say that is what people come to hear at this place. The melody is an anticipated speech. The new paint on the walls reveals the candor. The staff reflect the desire. The lounge chairs solicit invitation.

The band who just shuffled off stage reflects the sense of respect.

A man who the entire room came to see was tested earlier. He entered a section most would not dare to tread. A woman in red, famous to all, but known only to few — belittled him.

Some could even say she was rude.

She insisted he must have come to occupy her space. To cross her boundaries. To test the limits. After all, she is famous. He is unknown. Well…he was unknown until the owner of this establishment voiced his importance.

A NOT WELL-KNOWN STORY

The owner of this establishment was not always well known. At one point his family fortune was ruined through some dubious dealings. His family name was strong despite the despair. The owner’s name carried no renown to the public but went back nearly 200 years. The family pioneered the city many now flock to. The city was once known as a place to die.

Right in the heart of Death Valley they said.

Well maybe there is too much flair for the dramatic in that saying. Let’s just say it predates the slogan “Fabulous Las Vegas”.

This family, with all its minimalist attitudes, was only rich in legacy. The family name is not important. This attitude reflects the name of the now famous club that resides within the new casino halls. The owner’s family came to this area in search of the Fountain of Youth.

Yes. Legends attract all types. This was especially true during the 1800s. Few wanted to make the pilgrimage west. The American Indian Wars were deadly. Many died. Few survived. Even fewer made something of their lives.

Lest a little-known man’s family whose name no one would recognize. He was not one of the original eleven (11) pioneers to make Las Vegas what it is today. His family did not come to make this place the gambling capital of the United States nor did they aspire to call it Sin City.

In fact, they chased the legend of the Fountain of Youth. Hence the term Fountain Blue for the name of Las Vegas’ youngest Casino.

This is why he took up the name of the lounge, “No Name Lounge”.

So here our no name owner accounts his commencement dedication.

THE DEDICATION

“You know me now as the owner of this great Casino. You all know Miss Pride for her fame and angelic voice. You know my club for its swing and classic band play. You know this young hotel for its new appeal. Little do you know I was once broke. Yes, beyond broke. My family name helped start this place you know as Las Vegas…”

The owner shifts his bow tie. He creases his brows. He moves the podium. Clears his throat. Then he continues.

“…Most of you know Howard Hughs. Barron Hilton. Benny Binion came later. Kirk Kerkorian was before all of them. Bob Stupak…he was a character my dad would say. Jay Sarno was friends with my Grandfather. They all used to hang out with Sam Boyd. My grandfather actually lent Sam the $10,000 to invest into the Sahara. Although you never really hear about that…”

The owner takes a sip of water. He glances at the crowd. Everyone is gazing. As if they are hearing the untold history of a place, they thought they knew — only to realize they didn’t.

“Most people see the Wynn casino and think its some Chinese guy. Steven wasn’t Chinese. He was my dad’s friend. My dad told him to support the Golden Nugget. Wow didn’t that turn out good.”

The owner stares off for a bit.

“Yet. Still, no one knew who my name was. Funny how my family could see the Mirage, Treasure Island and Bellagio go up because they secured the permits…but when I needed a helping hand no one could help me go up. My family were great historians and land right owners — but they weren’t casino people…”

The owner looks at the corner. A man in a top hat is standing. He holds his old fashion. He stands out of sight. Next to the now famous Miss Pride.

“That man…”

The whole crowd looks in the direction of our top hat shadow. He is illuminated only by the fire of pride. The owner points to him. Emotions are in his eyes. It tells a story of more than appreciation. His look tells more words than a voice could speak. It tells a story of gratitude.

“That man…Mr. Humble. He helped me from a really bad spot. He restored my family legacy. He made me who I am. The owner of this Fountain Blue and now the patron of No Name Lounge. The most profitable place in all of Las Vegas. The 2030s have been great to us. And it’s because of you Humble. Thank you.”

THE ENCORE

Humble raises his old fashion. The room roars with approval. SO much noise. Almost no one can hear. It’s at this very moment Pride realizes something.

“I mistreated you. I scoffed at you. I assumed you were somebody who just wanted to talk to a famous singer. Yet…”

Humble looks at Pride. Her eyes are tearing with emotion. Humble softly wipes the tear with a vintage 1960s handkerchief.

“It’s easy to react to an insult to ego. It takes no effort to lash out. It’s instinctive and without thought. No consideration is offered. True strength is in humility to allow humiliation. For in this you find actual grace. You find actual strength. For how hard is it to allow insult and be kind anyways?”

Pride begins to have her tears flow. Who is this man? How can he not react to such mistreatment. He is the most influential person in this room. She feels she is famous but he is exalted. Attention is one thing. Respect is completely something else.

“You say this to me. I don’t deserve it. You are kind. I was mean. I mislabeled you. I created my own narrative to stroke my ego. I was embarrassed about being rejected. Yet here you are. Holding my hand before a room…”

Humble smiles.

“That’s because I don’t seek glory in this life. I don’t seek anything from anyone. I have a higher power who shakes out the truth, reveals the correct narrative and disproves falsehood. It requires faith. Faith is believing in something in the absence of evidence.”

Priscilla looks up. Her eyes lock on Hugh’s eyes. A spark is there. She can see it. Through the entire room there is only one reaction of chemistry that matters. She sees it is theirs.

Hugh softly confirms. There is confidence in his eyes not hubris. She senses this. He looks out towards his patron.

“No Thank you Mr. No Name. You are too kind. I did only what any person who does who recognizes value.”

The room roars with approval. Both Humble and Pride hold their hands in praise to No Name.

You can choose to choose restraint over reaction at any point.

Unfortunately, not all my secrets will be discovered in this free article. You must pick up a copy of my international best-selling book “I Made It Then I Didn’t” or order “Many Paths To Profit” for that.

The concept I teach in this article is free. My personal stories are not. Don’t let pennies get in the way of showing you something much more valuable than a dollar. There’s no such thing as a free lunch. If you want to get more insight on how develop the character of restraint see how I deal with false narratives, insults and slanders. There is temperament in control and restraint. True character is revealed in mercy not vengeance.

To Your Knowledge Success!

Sources

1) The life of Christopher Knight Lopez a Professional Hustler turned International Best Seller and Published Author of “I Made It Then I Didn’t” & Co-Author of “Many Paths To Profit” with the original shark from Shark Tank Kevin Harrington.

$$$https://ko-fi.com/chrislopez33885$$$

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Certain elements in this story may have been fictionalized to illustrate a creative story. This is a form of artistic expression not narration of fact. Not a form of investment advice. Please consult a professional registered to give you advice about your individual circumstance. This article is for educational purposes and entertainment purposes only. Please do not email the author about advice on investing or strategies on making investments.

About Christopher: Christopher Knight Lopez is a Professional Hustler turned International Best Seller and Published Author of “I Made It Then I Didn’t” and Co-Author with Kevin “The Shark” Harrington “Many Paths To Profit”. Christopher has opened over 7 businesses in his 15-year career. Christopher’s purpose is to take advantage of various market-driven opportunities. Christopher is a certified Master Project Manager (MPM), and Accredited Financial Analyst (AFA). Christopher previously held his Series 65 securities license examination and was a Master Financial Planner (MFP). Christopher also held his General Lines — Life, Accident, Health & HMO. Christopher has managed a combined 286mm USD in reported Assets Under Management & Assets Under Advisement. Christopher has work experience in 33 countries, raised over 50mm USD for various businesses, and grossed over 13.0mm in his personal career. Christopher worked in the highly technical industries of: biotechnology, finance, securities, manufacturing, real estate, and residential mortgages. Christopher is a United States Air Force Veteran. Christopher has a passion for family, competitive sports, fishing, martial arts and advocacy for entrepreneurs. Christopher provides self-help classes for up-and-coming entrepreneurs. Christopher’s passion to mentor comes from belief that entrepreneurs need guidance. The world is full of conflicting information about entrepreneur identity. See more at www.christopherklopez.com.

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This post was previously published on medium.com.

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