One of this nation's most insightful statesman was Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States (1945-53). Historians through the years have enjoyed his simple yet profound way of saying things. History also tells us Truman lived the advice he gave. The quotations attributed to Truman are numerous. I dare say two-thirds of America's business executives have a saying on a plaque somewhere in their office declaring, "The buck stops here."

This is probably Truman's most memorable quote, but others are equally worthwhile. Many of us have enjoyed saying, "If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen." Truman also said in a foreign policy document, "The responsibility of great states is to serve and not to dominate the world." Surely this get-right-down-to-it comment has far-reaching applications for nations. Just as surely, "Give-em-Hell" Harry's words could be applied to individuals who mayt be tempted to overlook the needs of others and injustices to others while climbing their personal ladder of success.

Harry Truman recognized that individual rights are achieved and asserted only in the context of civil responsibility. Every achievement, every accomplishment, every honor, every recognition, every promotion and every position in society carries with it a complete set of responsibilities to and for others. The higher up the chain of command one climbs, the greater the responsibility.

John Davis III, managing director of Alex Brown & Sons Inc. in Winston-Salem, has climbed the highest peak on each continent in the world. In September, he was the speaker for the Academic Convocation at Greensboro College. He told the faculty and students on that occasion that the higher up the summit one ascends, the colder it gets. The colder it gets, the more responsibility one has for others.

John Davis was not the first to declare such a position and sound such a warning. John D. Rockefeller Jr. certainly affirmed that thought when he addressed the United Services Organization in New York City and said, "I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty."

It is not difficult to look around our society and find things that are wrong, things that could be better, things that need to be fixed. We are a nation of problem spotters, and many have honed their problem-spotting skills to a fine edge. The distinguishing characteristic of leading citizens is the motivating desire to be as enthusiastic and creative in solving problems as we are in spotting them. Taking responsibility for correcting wrongs is the first step toward reform in any venue.

The successful and effective future of our society - indeed, of the nation - depends upon individuals coming to realize that they have a responsibility to all living beings. Being responsible means being dependable. It means carrying out our obligations to other individuals and to causes and organizations. Having a sense of duty to fulfill tasks one has accepted is the mark of one who is accountable and responsible. Furthermore, a responsible person not only fulfills obligations, but does so in a timely fashion.

The Character Education Council has identified "responsibility" as one of eight cornerstones of character. Each of us has a responsibility to and for others, a responsibility that no one else can fulfill.

If not here ...where?

If not now ...when?

If not you ...who?