…if there's one thing I've learned in philanthropy, it's that you always get back ten times over whatever you give; it's one of life's paradoxical pleasures.

Magazine
Fall/Winter 1999

Charles Goering '51
philanthropist, retired president, Erlanger Lumber


What 20th century event had the most significant impact on your profession or vocation? What lesson do you take away from that event?

1. The fact that there hasn't been another world war has been a significant non-event; that's given 50 years advantage to those of my generation. My business, and those of many others, prospered because during the second half of the century the world hasn't been drawn into such a conflict. That said, the construction of the interstate highway system has also affected businesses and individuals and ways many don't realize. We depended on rail traffic initially, but for my business to grow, I needed that interstate system. If I'd had to depend on city streets to deliver to my customers, my business would never have been able to expand as much as it did.

Personally, what is the most meaningful life lesson you have taken from your vocation or avocation?

My avocation of philanthropy has become my vocation since I retired, and if there's one thing I've learned in philanthropy, it's that you always get back ten times over whatever you give; it's one of life's paradoxical pleasures.

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