Viewpoint

One hundred years ago today, Herbert Marcus, his sister Carrie and her husband, A.L. Neiman, opened the doors of Neiman Marcus. All four of the Marcus sons worked at the store with varying specialties. Stanley was the retailing prodigy and probably the one most of us know. For more than 15 years, Stanley Marcus also graced the Viewpoints page of the Dallas Morning News. Here is a sampling of the sage advice of "Mr. Stanley," who died at the age of 96 in 2002 as printed in the Dallas Morning News.

Sept. 22, 1987-AGING: The best antidote to aging is to stay active and retain an interest in the world. Life is too exciting and interesting to retire from it. Tackling new problems appears to be a good prescription to stimulate the brain cells and maintain good health.

Sept. 11, 1990-COMMON COLD: At the risk of sounding cold-hearted, I think there is only one thing worse than having a cold. That is being around someone who has one. The next time you have a cold, stay at home for a couple of days. An occasional day in bed is something we all need. You may not get over your cold any faster, but the rest may enable you to avoid complications and side effects. And with any luck, your associates will avoid catching it at all.

June 6, 1995-HAPPY MARRIAGES: The quality that probably is most important in happy marriages, but seldom mentioned, is a short memory. At first, that doesn't seem logical, for one could argue that an accurate memory would lead to bliss, providing recollections of successes. On the other hand a long memory also recalls past grievances, petty disputes and differences of opinions that can become constant irritants if one allows them. Those endowed with a short memory are able to forget minor slights to the ego and irritating reminders of minor spats. Nothing in life can be perfect, and a long memory that remembers everything and forgets nothing can destroy almost any marriage.

More of Mr. Stanley Marcus' viewpoints to come.