成功蓝图 Blueprint for Success.docVIP

Book 2 Lesson Thirteen Blueprint for Success Introduction to the Text This is a true story about an American philanthropist who devoted his life to building houses for the poor and needy. Such people can be found, of course, in any society or culture. But in the United States, they are often influenced by the religious tradition. Millard Fuller, the hero of the story, had a very good minister friend, and obviously it was from this minister that he first got his inspiration. Christians are told that the wealth they have is put in their hands by God in their trust, and they should give it back to God through donations and charity. Anyone who dies rich dies in shame. While it would be na?ve to believe that every Christian acts on this principle, it would also be wrong to dismiss it completely as religious hypocrisy. The interesting part of the story is the fact that Millard went through a dramatic change in his life. He started off as a whiz with money and had every promise of becoming an unusually successful businessman. Then all of a sudden he decided to give away all the money he had earned and start a house-building project for the poor. We all know how difficult it is to resist the temptation of money. And to give away money you already have is even more difficult. But Millard did it. He did it because he suddenly discovered that money actually stood between him and his wife. It had not brought happiness to his life. It had not brought any meaning. Millard found that his speedboats and Lincoln Continental did not please his wife. His wife was happiest when they started working as a team. As for himself he was happiest when he began to live for others. The article therefore can be used for a discussion on what constitutes true happiness and a meaningful life. Millard asked himself how he could have miscalculated so badly. Have we in some way also miscalculated? Detailed Discussion of the Text As a boy, Millard fuller was a whiz money. (1) whiz (AmE), whizz (BrE):