Charles Lazarus founded Toys "R" Us and for 70 years, poured all his imagination and energy into making it a global retail empire. He died last Thursday at 94—one week after Toys "R" Us began liquidating its stores and laying off its 30,000 employees, succumbing to Amazon and Walmart.
“There have been many sad moments for Toys ‘R’ Us in recent weeks, and none more heartbreaking than today’s news about the passing of our beloved founder, Charles Lazarus,” the company announced. “We will forever be grateful for his positive energy, passion for the customer and love for children everywhere.”
And that's all they'll have to be grateful for.
In an interview, Lazarus was asked if he had a message for his grandchildren. "Keep your eye on where you want to go," he said. But do not think too much, he might have added, about where you're going to end up.
Everything is sand, and the tide is always coming in.
That doesn't mean you shouldn't build.
Quite the contrary: Building—houses, books, companies, communities—is how you express your energy, your passion and your love.
But knowing that's the point ought to guide the way you go about it.
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