In 1905 George Santayana, the Spanish-born American author, wrote “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” So does that mean we get a “free pass” on our future if we simply choose to remain in ignorance? Not exactly…
Ignorantia legis neminem excusat! Latin for ignorance of the law excuses no one. In other words, we have an obligation—and at times even a legal responsibility—to learn what we can from history.
Now I’m not suggesting we only study the negative just so we can better appreciate the positive. However, I do believe we have a duty of sorts to learn what we can from both sides; “Here’s what’s acceptable…” and “Here’s what will get you into trouble…”
Take for example your Network Marketing business. I’m sure you represent a great company, offer fantastic products, and are paid exceedingly well. And although that may be true for you, it’s also what most distributors thought who at one time represented companies like Bigsmart, Jewelway, and Skybiz. Now in case you weren’t involved in the MLM industry a few years back, or don’t remember the past, Bigsmart, Jewelway, and Skybiz were all shut down by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for illegal activities.
Therefore, to learn what is acceptable, let this Code of Ethics be your guide. It’s not perfect, and yet if you follow it closely you will probably stay out of trouble. And again, to learn what will get you into trouble—so that you can stay out of trouble—see what you can discover from reading these reports: Bigsmart: FTC Report – Jewelway: FTC Report – Skybiz: FTC Report.
Because by the time you’ve finished reading the four linked pages above, I’m sure you’ll agree this is a part of the past you won’t want repeated in your future.
All the best,
MSC
P.S. If after reading the reports you believe you might be representing a business that will surely be shut down—get out now! Then find a legitimate Network Marketing company and build a real future!
Michael,
Doesn’t the law of attraction dictate that what you put your attention on expands?
That would lead me to believe those who study history are more likely to repeat it.
What do you think?
Rick
Rick:
You wrote, “Doesn’t the law of attraction dictate that what you put your attention on expands? That would lead me to believe those who study history are more likely to repeat it.”
In theory, I tend to agree with your statement above; we do tend to attract what we focus on… However, we can better learn what to focus on by uncovering both what works and what doesn’t work.
In fact research now shows when you teach someone both what to do (the what works part), and what not to do (the here’s what to avoid part), people actually learn how to reason on future situations better and are more equipped to make better choices in the future than those who were only taught what to do…
In other words, learning what works, and what doesn’t work, actually allows us to be more successful!
For more information on that research, check out the book, “Yes! 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be More Persuasive” by Robert B. Cialdini (http://www.nexera.com/yourlibrary.html).
All the best,
MSC
The notion that ‘If you examine your history, you cannot help but repeat it!’ (Abraham-Hick, Law of attraction) baffles me (and I don’t believe it). Ok some of my history I want to repeat, some I don’t (and haven’t).
In my opinion, the Robert B. Cialdini book is excellent in examining how teaching what does and doesn’t work leads to success.
I think if someone DOESN”T know what an illegal program is there’s only 2 ways to find out, 1- do the research for themselves and look at case histories or 2- Let the FTC inform them they’re in one.
I’ll take #s 1 please! (and thanks Michael for the links to these cases histories).
End-Note: I do believe if you DWELL on your history and don’t learn from it, ‘you cannot help but repeat it!’
my 2 cents
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!
Hi Michael,
It has been a new year now for 5 months and you have not make a new post. I am disappointed every time I visit here. What’s happening??