A Soulful Journey

"If you want to send a message call Western Union. "  - Sam Goldwyn If you want to communicate speak from your heart.

A story is told of someone told movie mogul Samuel Goldwyn  that George Bernard Shaw's plays would make good movies, and he was trying to get the rights without paying too much.  “Think of the millions who would otherwise never see your plays. Think of the contribution to art,” Goldwyn said.  Shaw replied, speaking for creative people throughout history dealing with their financial backers: “The trouble is, Mr. Goldwyn, that you think of nothing but art, and I think of nothing but money.” 

Mr. Goldwyn sat forward at his desk and peered over his glasses.  You’re a what?” “I’m a Jew, Mr. Goldwyn, and I can’t work on the high holy days.” “You mean it?  It’s not one of your little jokes?” “No. I’ll do anything in the world for you, Mr. Goldwyn, but I won’t work on Yom Kippur.” “You’re a real Jew?” “Yes, sir.  I converted several months ago.” “You know what it’ll cost me to suspend production for a day?  We can’t change the schedule, it’s too late.  Twenty-five thousand.  Maybe more.” “I just learned today that I’m scheduled to shoot on Yom Kippur, sir.  I came up as soon as I heard.” He threw out his hands. “Sammy –answer me a question. What did I ever do to you?” “Sir, you’ve been wonderful and I feel terrible about the problems I’m causing you.  It’s one day of the year when I won’t work.  I’m sorry.  I really am.” He took off his glasses. “...

"Include me out."  - Sam Goldwyn Sam Goldwyn had a penchant for saying what he meant without use of embellishments.  Can we do the same?  Perhaps we can be less infatuated with the sound of our own voice.

“In two words – im possible.” – Sam Goldwyn This movie mogul was known for his witticisms.   One of things we can learn from him is to disarm negativity by smiling and using humor.

As Sam Goldwyn used to say, “We’ve all passed a lot of water since then.”

"We've all passed a lot of water since then."  - Sam Goldwyn Yes, time goes, and flows, like water.

Sam Goldwyn was shown a sundial.   He innocently asked Mrs. Jean Negulesco, “How does that work?” The wife of the eminent director replied, “Well, as the world moves around the sun, so the light changes and by the different shadows you can tell the time of day.” “Well, well,” said Sam.   “What will they think of next?” It is nice to still be amazed at old things.

"A verbal contract isn't worth the paper it's written on." - Sam Goldwyn In the final analysis all we have is our words and their integrity.  Think before speaking.