Dear Friends,
Samsung's remarkable journey began in 1938 as a grocery trading business in Daegu, South Korea, founded by Lee Byung-Chull. Starting with simple products like noodles, the company expanded to textiles and electronics in 1969, and later to heavy industries and semiconductors (yourstory.com). Now, I don’t need to tell you what Samsung is. In 2023, Samsung shipped 226.6 million smartphones worldwide, accounting for 19.4% of the total smartphone shipments (is.com).
Ingvar Kamprad founded IKEA in 1943 at the age of 17, selling household goods like pens, wallets, and picture frames (ikea.com). By 2023, the company generated nearly 48 billion euros in global revenue by designing, manufacturing, and selling furniture.
LG (Lucky Chemical Co., Ltd.), established in 1947 by In-hwoi Koo, was initially named "Lucky" (sounding like "Lak Hui," meaning "giving joy to all") after the success of "Lucky Cream," Korea's first makeup cream (lg.com). Today, LG is known for its home appliances, TV/Audio/Video products, air solutions, computing, and more!
Ray-Ban symbolizes pride and affluence. However, did you know that Leonardo Del Vecchio, an Italian billionaire and founder of Luxottica—the world’s largest eyewear company owning brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley—grew up in an orphanage and faced a childhood marked by poverty?
Napoleon Bonaparte rose from modest origins to become a dominant military and political figure in Europe as the Emperor of France. His defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 led to his exile on the island of St. Helena, where he died in 1821.
Mussolini, who rose from humble beginnings to lead Italy as its fascist dictator, was captured and executed during World War II while attempting to flee to Switzerland in April 1945 (realclearhistory.com).
People who believe in the philosophy of Karma may resonate with what Lord Krishna said in the Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 2, Verse 22: "As a person sheds worn-out garments and wears new ones, likewise, at the time of death, the soul casts off its worn-out body and enters a new one." Yet, in our short time on Earth, we try to deceive, dominate, and cheat. Nothing is permanent.
A building may be demolished within three generations, an expensive jewel may disappear within two generations, and a car may be dismantled in one generation. Within four generations, even our kin may not remember our names. Yet, for family's sake, we work hard, strive, and accumulate wealth!
This is not to say one should be irresponsible or neglect family. Instead, today, "Responsible Manufacturing" has become a vital concept in response to the carbon emission crisis.
Similarly, a responsible life is essential but should be approached with responsible detachment. Don’t own, but don’t disown too!
Ravi Saripalle
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