NYC Highlight #3: Rockefeller Center

NYC - October 2008
Originally uploaded by SpragueLab

Wow. I can’t even count the number of movies I’ve seen that had the Rockefeller Center ice skating rink in it. So it seemed rather huge in the movies, and in real life, was kinda tiny. At least compared to the 70+story buildings surrounding it.

But my favorite part of the visit to Rockefeller Center was standing over the ice rink, facing 30 Rockefeller Plaza and the Prometheus statue, and reading this inscription on the granite slabs there, as written by John D. Rockefeller, Jr.:

I Believe

“I believe in the supreme worth of the individual and in his right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty.
I believe that the law was made for man and not man for the law; that government is the servant of the people and not their master.
I believe in the dignity of labor, whether with head or hand; that the world owes no man a living but that it owes every man an opportunity to make a living.
I believe that thrift is essential to well ordered living and that economy is a prime requisite of a sound financial structure, whether in government, business or personal affairs.
I believe that truth and justice are fundamental to an enduring social order.
I believe in the sacredness of a promise, that a man’s word should be as good as his bond; that character — not wealth or power or position— is of supreme worth.
I believe that the rendering of useful service is the common duty of mankind and that only in the purifying fire of sacrifice is the dross of selfishness consumed and the greatness of the human soul set free.
I believe in an all-wise and all-loving God, named by whatever name, and that the individual’s highest fulfillment, greatest happiness, and widest usefulness are to be found in living in harmony with His will.
I believe that love is the greatest thing in the world; that it alone can overcome hate; that right can and will triumph over might.”

http://www.rockefeller.edu/archive.ctr/jdrjrbio.html

Wow. I am so moved by these words. I am so glad to see them inscribed somewhere so public, and that one man could express his beliefs so eloquently. And I can basically adopt them ALL for myself as well. :)

Comments

[Star]

So meaningful.

We've only been to NYC once, but I loved seeing so many things that I had only seen in movies as well--makes it more special now to watch them again and have the memories of our own to go with them.

[Christy]

I love that inscription. Too bad our current government looks like they have never they have never read it! When I went to New York several years ago, the thing I was most excited to see was the Statue of Liberty and I was also a bit disappointed in its actual size, so I know what you are trying to say. Thanks for sharing!

P.S. Any decisions on the winners of the guessing game give-aways?

[txscrapaddict]

Incredible words to live by......We, as a country, need to revisit these words.

[Christine]

Love it, and I love seeing my hometown in someone else's eyes.

[Diane]

Thank you for posting this inscription - the words are so powerful and moving. Upon reading them, I wonder if there are any leaders today, political or otherwise, who could put together such beliefs so eloquently...

[Donna]

The leader and soon to be leaders of the Greatest country on earth should use these words as text to live by. Each American as well as peoples all over the world should also use these words as guidelines to live their life. Thank you for sharing with us these words of wisdom .

[Heather]

Wow Jess, Awesome. Thanks for posting this.

[shell (shmoop)]

didn't make it there ... so glad u posted this ! what a phenomenal piece....

i love that...."thrift is essential to well ordered living..." hmmm gotta chew that one over and digest it cuz i don't think i'm living that way.

[Tara]

Wow.....never even heard that before. Very powerful! Thank you for sharing!

[Tara O.]

Wow! I have lived in NJ all my life. I can't tell you how many times I have I have been at Rockafeller Center and never noticed that plaque. Thanks for bringing it to my attentention! It is so great to see something chreished through another person's eyes. I hope you loved NYC. There is no other place like it!

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