We have a unique position in the world, especially in the United States, as a champion of the continuity of history — and history as a guidepost to contemporary life, not as a collection of irrelevant antiquities or a list of dates and kings. We are uniquely qualified to present the lessons of history and the other Augustan subjects to the modern world, and to serve as a vital part of the modern world.
I propose that our primary focus should be to expand our educational offerings. The [[Knights Training Program]] is a good example of this. We need to develop similar programs for the study of Royalty & Nobility which show how these concepts remain relevant. We need to develop a Heraldic training program, perhaps based on the previous program which led to the designation of [[Certified HeraldistsHeraldist]]. We need a [[History]] program that does more than shine a light on ancient times, but shows how history can illuminate the present. And it’s not too soon to begin plans for the development of [[Museum]] exhibits — —perhaps traveling exhibits to extend our reach beyond whatever headquarters we might establish.
We must also invent new programs, new tools to assist the researcher. We have made small steps in this direction with our [[List of Recognized Orders]] (of Chivalry and Organizations of a Chivalric Nature); we have proposed a list of ''[[fontes honorum]]''; and there may well be many other tools of this sort we are uniquely qualified to develop. In every field but genealogy — —which is now well attended by commercial enterprises — —scholars will benefit from the organized reference material we could assemble.
Also needed are new ways to bring together our members, and others who share our interests. In the coming decades, this looks to be an issue of technology.
"Do not let yourselves be discouraged or embittered by the smallness of the success you are likely to achieve in trying to make life better. ... But, if you make life ever so little better, you will have done splendidly, and your lives will have been worthwhile."
:— — Arnold Toynbee, economic historian and social activist (1852–1883)
Should we be ashamed of what little we have done? Is the recent history of The Augustan Society one of bitterly small successes?
I think not. Recall that in the half-dozen years since our reorganization, we have published two volumes of ''[[Augustan Omnibus]]'', two dozen issue of ''[[Augustæum]]'', registered three dozen armorial achievements, replaced an embarrassing, half-finished web site with a strong and dramatic web presence, added a working online store, launched two social media sites, begun the work of cataloging our [[Library]] collection, and continued the 40-year work of [[Descents from Antiquity]]. We have improved our [[By-Laws]], simplified our structure, codified our procedures, standardized our forms, greatly strengthened our financial position, and placed a number of wise and dedicated members on our [[Board|Board of Directors]] and on the various committees.
These are no small achievements. They will not just serve us well as we address the challenges of the future, they are necessary prerequisites. They have been possible in part because we stood upon the shoulders of giants — —and not just one. While [[Founder|Rodney Hartwell]] deservedly gets the lion’s share of the credit, there are hundreds of other members who have each made their contribution to the whole, and to whom we also owe our thanks. Remember that we now stand among them, and will be judged according to our works.
I don’t think there’s much doubt that the Society — —since its beginning, and since the move to Florida — —has had a positive impact on the antiquarian world, and upon our members and clients. Take a measure of pride in this, and let it inspire you to continue the good work.
"You got to be very careful if you don’t know where you’re going, because you might not get there."
:— — Yogi Berra, baseball manger and serial language abuser (b.1925-2015)
Despite all this good work, I find myself increasingly disturbed by the lack of [[Planning|long-range planning]] in our organization. Indeed, I am disturbed by the lack of ''interest'' in long-range planning, or even short-range planning. For example, it is now late August, and we haven’t even begun work on next year’s budget, despite needing to mail out renewal reminders in less than six weeks.
In particular, I am disturbed by the lack of planning for where the Society’s [[Headquarters]] will go when we can no enjoy the use of [[Consuls]]’ dining room... and living room, and spare bedroom, and den. We have long outgrown the time when our Society’s physical presence could be contained in someone’s residence, and we approach the time when even our office functions cannot be so contained. Present Consuls are patient, but they have a right to expect the Society to be constructively and effectively addressing this problem.
This isn’t the only long-range plan that needs attention, but it is one that will kill the Society if it is not attended to in time. This is an immediate challenge, not one that can be put off until the next decade. We must begin at once to address it — —either by developing new sources of revenue or by adjusting our goals and activities.
"To equal a predecessor, one must have twice their worth."
:— — Baltasar Gracian, Jesuit writer and philosopher (1601–1658)
It is good to remember that I am not Rodney. I would think this patently obvious, but there are some in Society office who seem to think I am. They are surprised when I lack some essential skill, or when I resist accepting additional duties when I cannot keep up with those already assigned. Perhaps my self-imposed limit of working only 20 hours/week for the Society (at less than a nickel per hour) disappoints them.
"Engineers like to solve problems. If there are no problems handily available, they will create their own problems."
:— — Scott Adams, cartoonist and author (b. 1947)
I am an engineer by training and inclination. Some Directors have complained that I am always coming up with new ideas, creating new problems, and obliging the Board or Committee Chairmen to deal with them. This is not only my nature, but also my job as I understand it. I must advise all to get used to it, or get someone else!
"Never, for the sake of peace and quiet, deny your own experience or convictions."
:— — Dag Hammarskjold, Swedish diplomat (1905–1961)
Those who know me well are all too aware that I do not place much value on peace and quiet in the face of unmet needs. If I raise a ruckus at times, if I insist on addressing some issue of no obvious importance, if you find me as demanding as your own conscience, know that I do so not without an awareness that it occasionally costs me friends, respect, and large quantities of my time.
"Regret for the things we did can be tempered by time; it is regret for the things we did not do that is inconsolable."
:— — Sidney J. Harris, journalist and scholar (1917–1986)
Let me close by offering just one, deceptively simple challenge: That we strive to conduct ourselves and our Society in such way that we shall never be obliged to regret the things we did not try to do.