Maybe you’ve heard the story of John Chapman, most often depicted as a nomadic character wandering about North America, dropping apple seeds everywhere he went. John Chapman became known as Johnny Appleseed, but there’s a surprising twist in the truth of Chapman’s story that’s much more interesting.
Born in Massachusetts on 26th September 1774, Johnny was born during the American Revolution. When it was over he was 9 years old, living with his father, a farmer, who taught him how to work the land.
As a man, Johnny discovered that to legally claim land in the new Republic, all a man had to do was to plant 50 apple trees on that uninhabited land.
As a man, he journeyed throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio and Illinois planting many, many apple seeds, cultivating and creating bountiful orchards. And on his death at age 70, Johnny owned more than 1200 acres.
Johnny planted sour tasting spitter apples rather than eating apples. He knew that apples were more likely to be used to make cider than pies and the sour variety he nurtured were perfect for that.
That’s because water at that time usually contained harmful bacteria. Cider was a much more popular, safer and tastier alternative.
The paradoxical approach of a lone man wondering about aimlessly throwing apple seeds on the ground is a far cry from the reality of the man with a clearly defined purpose, planting daily to create a good life for his future self. John Chapman brings a new dimension to the old adage ‘you will reap what you sow’. Few recognised the determination, clarity and purpose in what he was doing.
How do you work each day in your business? Are you like the fairy tale Jonny Appleseed character wandering aimlessly around or are you more like John Chapman, the outcome focussed business person working with passion and purpose, and a clear vision of where you are going; taking the daily action to ensure you get there?
From Little Apple Seeds, Landowning Empires Grow
Born in Massachusetts on 26th September 1774, Johnny was born during the American Revolution. When it was over he was 9 years old, living with his father, a farmer, who taught him how to work the land.
As a man, Johnny discovered that to legally claim land in the new Republic, all a man had to do was to plant 50 apple trees on that uninhabited land.
As a man, he journeyed throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio and Illinois planting many, many apple seeds, cultivating and creating bountiful orchards. And on his death at age 70, Johnny owned more than 1200 acres.
Johnny planted sour tasting spitter apples rather than eating apples. He knew that apples were more likely to be used to make cider than pies and the sour variety he nurtured were perfect for that.
That’s because water at that time usually contained harmful bacteria. Cider was a much more popular, safer and tastier alternative.
The paradoxical approach of a lone man wondering about aimlessly throwing apple seeds on the ground is a far cry from the reality of the man with a clearly defined purpose, planting daily to create a good life for his future self. John Chapman brings a new dimension to the old adage ‘you will reap what you sow’. Few recognised the determination, clarity and purpose in what he was doing.
How do you work each day in your business? Are you like the fairy tale Jonny Appleseed character wandering aimlessly around or are you more like John Chapman, the outcome focussed business person working with passion and purpose, and a clear vision of where you are going; taking the daily action to ensure you get there?
A question for you to ponder…..
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