TODAY

May 09, 2021

NIELS’ MORNING GREETINGS

ON: MAY 9

New 2021 edition

TODAY’s TOPIC:

This day is EUROPE DAY. Why ? Because it was on this day in 1950 that the then French foreign minister – and forced German soldier during World War I – ROBERT SCHUMAN made his famous declaration about a new and integrating cooperation in Europe – just 5 years after the end of World War II.

This year the day is also the start of the CONFERENCE ON THE FUTURE OF EUROPE. An initiative which will try to involve as many European citizens as possible in the discussions and decisions about Europe’s priorities in the future. Read more HERE

See much more about EUROPE DAY in my Google folder BE IN THE KNOW

TODAY’s LENGTH:

This day in here in Belgium 7 hours and 14 minutes longer than December 21. Its length is 15 hours and 12 minutes – from 06.03 to 21.15.

See more – also in English – about where you are on: www.dagenslaengde.com

TODAY’s NAME:

This day has two names: CASPAR’s DAY and EUROPE DAY.

The name Caspar probably comes from one of the Three Wise Men from the East, who came to see Virgin Mary and her small child Jesus in Bethlehem, after he was born. Some people think that they were astrologists from Babylon. Caspar was the guy without beard. He brought incense to Virgin Mary and her baby.

The name EUROPE DAY is caused by the fact that it was on this day In 1950 that the French foreign minister, Robert Schuman, in a speech in Paris suggested that a new and binding cooperation should be started among the European countries. A cooperation where the participating countries transferred some of their national sovereignty to a common authority. Why? Because this would according to Mr. Schuman once and forever make wars between the European countries impossible. The two key countries were France and Germany. They had fought numerous wars between each other – the latest one only five years earlier. The idea for such a new and pioneering cooperation was prepared by the French energetic and imaginative official, Jean Monnet. And then proposed officially by the French government. Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg were positive right away. And only two years later the first European Community, called the European Coal and Steel Community, started. This unique cooperation has since then developed enormously, and altogether 28 European countries are today members. More countries want to join. That is why EUROPE DAY in celebrated all over the continent on this day. In Belgium it is law that all public buildings must fly the European Flag today. More and more countries do the same.

In Belgium the day’s name is SAINT PACÔME – after a saint living in the years 292-343. He is in particular celebrated in the Coptic church.

TODAY’s EVENT:

1950: Robert Schuman’s proposal to start the EU. ( see above )

TODAY’s QUESTION:

The Peter Principle – what is that? And where does it come from?

This expression tells that there is a tendency to promoting all employees beyond what their skills can manage. This naturally leads to incompetence and people being useless or worse in their jobs. The expression was in its most recent form described by the Canadian Laurence J. Peter in 1969 (hence the name), The Peter Principle.

But already in 1910 Jose Ortega e Gasset wrote that all employees ought to be degraded to the level under the one they are actually working at. This would according to him give the best work.

To this description can be added – as others have done – that in such a situation (ruled by the Peter principle) staff often manages to manipulate with their incompetent superiors in such a way that they do not interfere in their work. It is often called Managing upwards.

As an old hand in the EU I wonder, if this principle still lives today J

QUESTION FOR TOMORROW:

Croatia – what is the short story about that country?

47 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT EUROPE:

EUROPE AT WORK www.europe-at-work.be

TODAY’s QUOTE & FAMOUS PEOPLE :

1. Yesterday’s quote:

If a politician tells you, that he is an honest man, then hurry back home and lock your door.

This was once said by the American president Harry S. Truman.

2. Today’s quote:

Egoism is loneliness.

Who among today’s persons has said that?