Fearless

Feb 14, 2023

A Moment To Remember

Excerpts from Bob Finley’s winning speech at Meriwether Lewis High School which took him to the county public speaking competition in 1937. Originally 15 minutes.

 

“Do you remember the story of Alexander the Great and his famous horse Bucephalus?

No one could ride the horse because he was afraid of his shadow,

But Alexander faced him toward the sun and rode him without any trouble.

All through life the way we face our problems determines the results.

If we allude the terrible menace of fear, and always look forward to better things,

Life will be much longer and more enjoyable.

Fear brings into being almost overnight the thing that is feared.

Never fear failure or disaster, or they will certainly be yours.”

 

At his 95th birthday, Bob recited this excerpt from his high school speech. Having only known him as the retired founder of the organization I had worked for, I was astonished to learn of the amazing zeal he had from such a young age. The strength and truth that resounds from this speech serve as a powerful message from such a young man.