To become a Toastmaster is to open the door to the world.
Consider these disparate facts:
Have you ever heard of the Five Pillars of Islam?
This refers to the five duties required of every Muslim. They are Shahādah, the Muslim profession of faith, Salāt, ritual prayer five times each day, Zakāt, the alms levied for the poor, Sawm, fasting during the month of Ramadan (and no, you aren’t expected to eat nothing for a month), and Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca you should to try to complete at least once in your lifetime.
Have you heard of the Bible’s “Seven Pillars of Wisdom?” In the Hebrew Bible, or Old Testament’s, Book of Proverbs, Chapter 9, Verse 1, we read, “Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars.” This refers to “Wisdom’s Feast,” the benefits we reap by sowing the seeds of kindness, generosity, humility, sincerity, and wisdom.
In Wadi Rum, Jordan, there is a beautiful mountain called “The Seven Pillars.” It looks like this:
Have you ever heard of the legendary Lawrence of Arabia?
He’s this fellow and his real name was Thomas Edward Lawrence:
Lawrence was born in 1888 and died in a motorcycle accident on in 1935, just forty-six years old. In that brief lifetime, however, he lived with passion.
He was a British military officer, diplomat, poet and writer of history. His book, “The Seven Pillars of Wisdom” is a fascinating read for anyone who enjoys history or wants an understanding of the culture of the tribes and nations of the Middle East during the First World War.
1962’s “Lawrence of Arabia” is one of the great films. Look at the names associated with this film:
David Lean directed. Peter O’Toole played T.E. Lawrence. Alec Guinness, Omar Shariff, Anthony Quinn, Jose Ferrer, Anthony Quayle, and Claude Rains are in the cast.
The French composer Maurice Jarre wrote and conducted the music for the film. In his career, Jarre was nominated for nine Oscars and won three. He was nominated for eleven Golden Globes and won four.
Lawrence of Arabia won seven Academy Awards and six Golden Globes.
As Toastmasters, we have the door to the world opened to us.
History, archeology, agriculture, genealogy, war, medicine, every culture from every continent, every art form conceived by humankind, the exploration of the seas and outer space, the proper way to make tea in Japan and the appropriate gift to bring to someone’s home in Germany when you visit for the first time, are all topics I have heard talks on in Toastmasters meetings and conferences.
When you open the door of the Doubletree in Somerset on November 18, you can meet people from at least a dozen countries and most of the cultures of our world. You’ll hear wonderful tall tales and watch talented people speak extemporaneously with dignity and wisdom.
You will enhance your leadership and communication skills. You will end your day with gratitude for being part of an organization that encourages human achievement, understanding, and empathy. Then, you will go home and remember that day for the rest of your life.
See you at the conference.