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The Future of Rotary
By
Paul P. Harris
Founder of Rotary, President Emeritus of the I. A. of R. C.
 The rise or fall of civilization will depend upon the
thoughtfulness or the thoughtlessness of men. The greatest thing
that can happen to man or nation is to stimulate the individual
or the national thoughtfulness.
Perhaps the greatest good that has ever come to Rotary at any
one time has been the good that came of the discussion of the
plan of "Greater Rotary," and wonder of wonders, how temperate
it all was! Churches and governments have been split asunder in
the discussion of less constitutional questions.
Rotary expressed itself unequivocally on the issue but did so in
tender regard for the genius and the sincerity of the man who
raised it.
Perhaps the "Greater Rotary" plan as presented will never be
considered again, but the impulses which gave it birth still
lives and will live on in Rotary. The purpose of the plan was
purely ethical; thru "Greater Rotary" it was proposed to enlarge
the scope of Rotary usefulness, to open the door of Rotary
opportunity‑if not to all men‑ at least to a much larger number
of men.
Since Mr. Skeel's memorable article was published in THE
ROTARIAN at least five other carefully considered plans for the
accomplishment of the same purpose have been presented. All of
these have been so drawn as to preserve, to an extent at least,
exclusive representation and at the same time materially enlarge
the scope of Rotary's influence.
The growth of Rotary has been phenomenal. The present membership
of approximately 23,000 is, to those who have given of
themselves for the material development of Rotary, an extremely
gratifying achievement. I doubt very much, however, whether
Rotarians will be for all time satisfied with the present
restrictions. To expand is to obey nature's law.
In
any event, I am convinced that we shall find an acceptable way
of spreading Rotary doctrines to every people.
Now as the Rotary New Year begins, I wish you all of the
prosperity which your good deeds merit.
May all things you ought have be yours.
May your charities rank among your necessary expenditures.
May you not fall into the popular error of thinking that
happiness is to be found in outdoing your neighbors.
May it always be yours to look beneath the veneer of life to
the solid substance which lies beneath.
May you be builders, not mere climbers.
May you be able to appraise life's blessings at their real
worth.
May you be free to act in accordance with the dictates of
your own conscience and good judgment.
May you not be slaves to meaningless customs, social or
otherwise.
May you shun the groove followers.
May you have vision to discern the right and health,
strength and will to do it.
THAT IS TO SAY, I wish you a happy New Year.
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