Good Night. God Bless.

Me: So I think I may have offended Russell Simmons with my question.

Friend:  Uh, yeah.  But you did raise a valid point.

The question in question:

A common narrative that I have heard is that successful people go through two phases in their lives.  The first where they do what needs to be done to get to the top.  The second, once they've reached the top, where they give back.  How can the lessons from your book, 'Super Rich' be applied to people still in the first phase?

In asking this I meant that it is a common story of successful people, not necessarily him.  I thought of the Kennedy's ties to bootlegging, Duke University's ties to tobacco, or Gates/Jobs/Zuckerberg not necessarily being the best of people while starting their company then looking for ways to give back.  And I thought of myself as a person still trying to come up and wondering which was the right way to go about it.  And if I did succeed using questionable means, would my sins be forgiven if I turned to philanthropy.  Though, I guess it is worth noting that Simmons did sell drugs and is repeatedly questioned about the way Def Jam portrays women in music videos.  I think I am digressing.

His answer was, albeit a bit frustrated, spot on.  I am paraphrasing, but  'You missed it.  Everything in this book I have done to get to where I am.  Your work is your prayer'.  That last sentence is powerful.  It speaks to the idea that when you work on something great, you don't do it for money or fame.  You do it to feel more connected with god and the talents given to you.  If you stay connected, good things will happen.

Russell Simmons spoke at the Seattle Public Library tonight. He was here to promote his new book, Super Rich.  The book is an expression of how he has learned to live a better life through the teaching of various religions and life practices such as Christianity, yoga, and veganism.  Even the title of the book is impressive.  A classic definition of rich is to have enough money to live of the interest.  Essentially never needing to work again.  Mr. Simmons takes it to the next level by defining super rich as 'the state of needed nothing'.  Nirvana if you will.

Despite potentially getting off on the wrong foot, it was an honor to meet Mr. Simmons.  As a hip hop fan and African American man, he is someone I truly look up to and who has influenced my life.  Further, it is inspiring to see someone succeed while having some much interest in giving back, the well-being of others, and remaining so humble.