This was a very interesting book, they cause me to think a lot about various scenarios that come about in life, and how that we all are so different, and depending on our circumstances, time and place, and the value we put on such things, how we act and react, will tell us a great deal about right and wrong, and about ourselves as well.
In this book, “Would You Kill the Fat Man?”, The author presents us with the scenario, of where a train is racing down the track towards five men who are tied to the track. And unless the train is stopped, it will inevitably kill all five men. So, the question he asks us, is, if we saw one “fat Man” way and then about 400 pounds, whose bulk alone would stop the train, would we push the fat man onto the train, ahead of where the five men are waiting, knowing that we would be sacrificing one life, and saving the life of five others.
It’s a tough philosophical debate that goes around and around in our heads, trying to decide what we would do. Of course, there are many instances of sacrificing adults for children, old people for young people, one class of people for another class of people, so we do this kind of thing all the time.
So the author points out that answering this question, is far more complex, and important, and it first appears.
The book is humorous at times, deep at times, and very thought-provoking throughout.
Enjoy!
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
