I have known Steve for 42 years and I can say unequivocally this trip and his message is the Steve I have known and respected every single day of my life. We have too many stories to tell but I suggest looking up the word history of integrity.
Integrity is the quality of being honest and showing a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values.
Steve has taken on everyone from the Fed to Morgan Stanley’s management to yours truly, but for one purpose only, to sharpen debate, to refine intellectual viewpoints and ultimately to bring to bear the truth of things.
In our “alternative facts” post-truth world Steve is a beacon, a lighthouse, not to say he’s always right, but rather to say we all must think, and think hard, with an open mind.
In December 1911, Thomas J Watson, before becoming Chairman and CEO of IBM stood up at an NCR sales meeting and said:
"The trouble with every one of us is that we don't think enough. We don't get paid for working with our feet — we get paid for working with our heads".
Steve carries on this tradition and I would say to both the US and Chinese leaders that they should heed his words, read his book Accidental Conflict and meet with him for the very reason that he will tell you what others won’t, and yet what you need to hear and think about deeply.
To the Chinese, you must understand there are many of us who hope for a prosperous future, not one of enmity, but of good will and cooperation.
Best of luck Steve. You remain as always my personal hero.
As a former colleague of Steve's, but one less experienced in exploring the forces and uncertainties in China - my approach was to help Morgan Stanley and others try to imagine divergent futures for China, and between China and the US. I am absolutely in agreement with Michael here. To whatever degree Steve reflects US values or preferences, or the values of a capitalist and market economy, his intellectual curiosity and honesty are a powerful tool that anyone would be fortunate to apply in thinking through complex issues of the kind China poses for itself, for the world and for the US.
I have known Steve for 42 years and I can say unequivocally this trip and his message is the Steve I have known and respected every single day of my life. We have too many stories to tell but I suggest looking up the word history of integrity.
Integrity is the quality of being honest and showing a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values.
Steve has taken on everyone from the Fed to Morgan Stanley’s management to yours truly, but for one purpose only, to sharpen debate, to refine intellectual viewpoints and ultimately to bring to bear the truth of things.
In our “alternative facts” post-truth world Steve is a beacon, a lighthouse, not to say he’s always right, but rather to say we all must think, and think hard, with an open mind.
In December 1911, Thomas J Watson, before becoming Chairman and CEO of IBM stood up at an NCR sales meeting and said:
"The trouble with every one of us is that we don't think enough. We don't get paid for working with our feet — we get paid for working with our heads".
Steve carries on this tradition and I would say to both the US and Chinese leaders that they should heed his words, read his book Accidental Conflict and meet with him for the very reason that he will tell you what others won’t, and yet what you need to hear and think about deeply.
To the Chinese, you must understand there are many of us who hope for a prosperous future, not one of enmity, but of good will and cooperation.
Best of luck Steve. You remain as always my personal hero.
Michael Dee
As a former colleague of Steve's, but one less experienced in exploring the forces and uncertainties in China - my approach was to help Morgan Stanley and others try to imagine divergent futures for China, and between China and the US. I am absolutely in agreement with Michael here. To whatever degree Steve reflects US values or preferences, or the values of a capitalist and market economy, his intellectual curiosity and honesty are a powerful tool that anyone would be fortunate to apply in thinking through complex issues of the kind China poses for itself, for the world and for the US.
Expect to hear your special and wealthy opinions.