I just watched Obama’s inaugural address. Whether you voted for him or not (In case you’re curious: I did.), you’ve got to admit: The fellow has a way with words.
I feel that it would be a mistake not to spend a few moments reflecting upon some of the things he said. Frankly, I don’t feel that I have much to add, as the probability of me phrasing things as eloquently as he and his writers do is roughly zero.
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends – hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism – these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths.
Hard work and fair play as the force of progress throughout history? Couldn’t agree more. A return to those values seems like a good thing. (Note: I’m pretty sure that bailing out failed companies doesn’t count as fair play.)
The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart – not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.
As somebody who truly cherishes the spirit of entrepreneurship (and spreading it a little bit at a time), I can’t help but love it when somebody says that “extending opportunity to every willing heart” is the surest route to our common good.
There is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
I think we all know this to be true. I’m thankful to be able to do something for a living that I truly enjoy (writing about finances/investing/taxes). Guess I should get back to work. 
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