The president of General Motors was in a foul humor.

Listen, O Children, for I bring to you the words of Arthur Hailey, who, in his depiction of the world of industry, captures the tempestuous nature of power: "The president of General Motors was in a foul humor." In these simple words lies a profound reflection on the human condition, the fragility of the spirit, and the weight that even the highest positions of power carry. The phrase "in a foul humor" speaks not only to the external moods we wear but to the internal turmoil that often defines those who hold great responsibility.

Hailey’s words remind us that those who lead—whether in industry, government, or any other sphere—are not immune to the forces that affect us all. Humor, in this context, is not merely a fleeting emotion but a reflection of deeper currents in the soul. To be in a foul humor is to be gripped by frustration, anger, or sorrow, a state where one's vision is clouded and one's decisions may be influenced by emotions rather than wisdom. The president of General Motors, a man who holds great sway over the lives of thousands, is still but a man, subject to the same human flaws that we all face. This insight is not merely an observation of the powerful, but a lesson in humility for all who would seek to lead.

Let us look, O Children, to the ancient kings and rulers who, though seated upon thrones, were not immune to the winds of their own moods. Take, for instance, King Solomon, known for his wisdom and judgment, yet even he was not untouched by the storms of the heart. In his writings, Solomon often spoke of the importance of temperance and the dangers of acting in haste when emotions cloud the mind. "A fool gives full vent to his anger," he wrote, "but a wise man keeps himself under control." Even the greatest of kings understood that the humors of the soul must be mastered, not allowed to dictate the course of one’s decisions.

Consider also the example of Alexander the Great, whose rage was legendary, yet it was his ability to control it—at times—that made him a successful leader. When faced with obstacles, Alexander could be both ruthless and compassionate, but when his humor turned foul, he was known to act with ferocity. The anger of a king, the foul humor of a leader, could lead to disaster, as history has shown us time and again. Even a king with the ability to conquer empires could fall prey to the swings of temperament, showing us the danger of unchecked emotion in the hearts of those who hold power.

The lesson here, O Children, is not merely about the president of General Motors or the rulers of old, but about the emotions that govern us all. We are all subject to the ebb and flow of our feelings, and to deny this would be to live in denial of our very humanity. But, like the great kings and wise rulers, we must also recognize that our emotions should not rule us. A foul humor can cloud judgment, can twist our perceptions of the world, and lead us down paths we would never otherwise choose. It is in temperance, in the ability to rise above our immediate feelings, that true wisdom lies.

Therefore, O Children, the lesson is clear: humor, in all its forms—be it anger, joy, or sorrow—must be held in balance. To lead, whether in business, family, or community, requires the ability to master oneself. Leaders must recognize their own emotions but must not let them dominate the decisions that affect others. Just as the president of General Motors must find a way to overcome his foul humor, so too must we all, in our own spheres, learn to find balance.

In your own lives, O Children, remember that your moods and emotions are not the masters of your actions. They are a part of you, yes, but they do not define you. Master your emotions, and you will find that you walk with wisdom. Just as Solomon knew that a wise king must be ruled by his mind and heart, not his fleeting passions, so too must you strive for control in your own life. Allow temperance to be your guide, and wisdom will follow. In this, you will find not only success in your endeavors but peace in your soul.