Of Jell-O, Locomotives and Libraries

Peter Cooper might not be a household name, but our lives would not be the same without him.  He lived during the heart of the industrial revolution and was an inventor, business man, politician and philanthropist.  He is best know for his Tom Thumb steam locomotive, but he also patented the first gelatin dessert which became Jell-O.

What I admire most about Mr. Cooper is that, even after he amassed a vast amount of wealth, he always saw it as an opportunity to give back.  he was quoted as saying, "I have endeavored to remember that the object of life is to do good." 

He started Cooper's Union, an arts and science college that, to this day, is tuition free.  His charitable activities and generosity had such a great impact that men the likes of Andrew Carnegie,  Matthew Vassar and Ezra Cornell credit their philanthropy to his influence on them.

Peter truly loved his neighbor as himself.  He lived well below his means so others could have the means to live well.

We are not on earth to attain, but to adorn.  We do not live to get, but to give.  If everyone gave, everyone would get.  If we love God and love people, guess what?  We will be loved by God and loved by people.

God really started it all.  He was the first "pay it forward" one to risk.

We are in this world together.  Let's make the most of it.  Let's give it up for good.