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A Place For T

“The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is ‘now’.” — Chinese Proverb

I wrote this book because I am uncomfortable with the state of our nation, its institutions, and human beings in general. It offers a thought provoking twist on Aesop’s Hare-Tortoise fable reframing it as a human race pitting our Hare-brained heads against our Tortoise-inspired hearts. Running faster and faster in our Hare-like pursuits of wealth, power, and status, I believe we are leaving no place for the slow and steady Tortoise to speak for our humanity. As a result, we might be creating a world with our intellects and technology that we can’t relate to emotionally and spiritually. Our inability to engage each other in civil and respectful conversations, the hate and violence infecting our culture, and leadership failures in organizations, might be evidence this sinister end is fast approaching.

This book is offered as a hard-hitting and at times poetic invitation to step back from your busy life, sit with me on my front porch, and question what we are doing and being in this crazy human race. It is intended to be an inspirational reminder of Mahatma Gandhi’s warning that “There is more to life than simply increasing its speed.” As we get to know each other, I will introduce you to my friend T who reminds us there is a more humane path forward that involves front porches and what I call divergent thinking. ‘Now’ is the time to listen to T and be more as human beings.

We can’t afford Hare-brained progress at the cost of our souls!

— Robert H. Lengel —

From the Midwest Book Review:

Fascinating, informative, insightful, thoughtful and thought-provoking, "A Place for T: Giving Voice to the Tortoise in Our Hare-Brained World" is an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, corporate, and academic library Business Development & Management collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of MBA students, academia, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in Sustainable Business Development and Environmental Economics.

From Reader Mike C:

A Place for T is a powerful reminder of the importance of human connection. It is a response to the current state of our society where many of us are trapped in our certainties and civil discourse seems impossible. This book is for anyone who cares about humanity and life beyond their bank account, for those who truly want to make an impact in this world. You will be left challenged and inspired by real-world examples woven into a classic tale. The world needs this book now more than ever. I highly recommend picking up your copy today.

From Reader Rosalyn W:

Wow. An incredibly impacting book. Not only is Robert Lengel brilliant in business but in matters of the heart, soul, and planet. His whole point is that separating these essential factors in this dog-eat-dog corporate world is a mistake. He points out that YES, YOU CAN run a successful business and be compassionate and earth-friendly. It is not only possible, but it is also becoming more and more vital to the success of modern corporate operations. Reading this book, I marveled at Lengel's capacity to clearly show that the "bottom line" is more than a pressure cooker roomful of traumatized graph-makers. Profits are essential for a business to function. That is common knowledge. But what is often ignored is the value of the human behind the cog in the wheel. Elevate the human, nurture the soul, heal the planet, AND build a business. They are not mutually exclusive. They are, in fact, essential. Yesterday's cold corporate mindset is a dinosaur. Bob Lengel's idea of moving forward--the whole business, the whole person, the whole planet, is the way of the future. And that future is now. READ THIS BOOK!

Peter Bromley, CEO, Clearlight Evolution

"Beneath the world's current ailments is an unconscious war between economic bottom lines and our humanity. This book is a powerful and timely "peach offering" that is creative, practical, and precise."

Jeff Zwiebel, Retired School District Superintendent (now working in educational technology sector)

"This book reminds us that we need to be 'more' as human beings in a world that constantly rewards us for being "less.' What a refreshing and hopeful read - it is time to step back from the 'human race,' remember who we want to be, and imagine a better future."