The Words of Sun Myung Moon from 1985
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The Words of Sun Myung Moon from 1985 |
Mr. chairman, ladies and gentlemen. It seem like we just met, and now it is already time to say -- not goodbye -- but so long. This year's conference has had a very special meaning for me. The year 1985 marks the conclusion of 40 years of my public ministry a number of biblical significance, as many of you know. Many things have been accomplished in that time. Yet much more remains to be done. ICUS was one of our first international projects and I will always remember it...like a first love. It is very dear to my heart.
Yesterday my wife and children and I visited the NASA Space Center in Houston. We were especially impressed by the space shuttle and the moon landing craft. Did you know that the first word spoken from the surface of the moon was "Houston"? So you can see that Moon and Houston already have a long-established historical relationship.
My visit to NASA gave me a couple of other deep impressions as well. One is the power of science which brought about such extraordinary accomplishments. The other thing which impressed me deeply is the vastness of space, still largely unknown and uncharted by science. It can only be measured in light years.
One unique aspect of space is its character. Everything in the universe, including the earth itself, is round. Everything in the universe, down to the sub-atomic level, seems to either be spherical or moving in a circular motion. This spherical shape and circular motion alone is the perpetual motion of the universe. When we think in these terms of circular shape and motion, only then can the human mind begin to grasp the concept of eternity.
Every spherical object, large or small, without exception, has a center and an axis. Every circular motion revolves around an axis. Without an axis, there can be no circular motion. An axis is invisible, and yet it carries the entire weight of a body and represents the whole. As an anchor, the axis maintains order and discipline in the universe. In the ideal everything must have a center and an axis. Motion must be centered around that axis.
I have been reflecting upon how this principle applies to this conference. The position of the center is God. The axis is absolute value. For this reason, every ICUS conference has dealt with some topic in relationship to absolute values. It is my conviction that every aspect of human existence must begin with recognition of a center, and must revolve around this central axis, which is absolute value. Then individual life, families, societies, nations, and the world can have a definite purpose, discipline, and order. And most importantly, life could then have perpetual motion and exist for all eternity.
Scientists have always known about the physical axis of the universe. What I am adding to this is the idea that there is also a spiritual axis of the universe, around which everything revolves.
What do you think of this theory, my dear friends? Does Moon's Axis Theory make sense?
I have been very happy to hear from your reports that the quality of this conference has been second to none. As a matter of fact, my wife had some initial concern about choosing Texas as the site of the conference. Since Texas is famous for having everything bigger and better than anywhere else, she said to me, "Don't you think this ICUS is too small to be held in Texas?"
I told her, "Quality is more important than size.' Once I talked to a Texas millionaire. Since he said he was a rancher, and knowing that everything in Texas is very big, I asked him how large his ranch was. Expecting that he owned at least several thousand acres, I was surprised to hear him say his ranch was only 40 acres. I was shocked. I said, "How can you be so rich from only a 40-acre ranch?"
He replied, "Well, my land is very special"
"What's so special about it?" I asked.
"It sits on top of 10 million barrels of oil," he answered.
I feel like ICUS is my 40-acre ranch, and your knowledge and experience is like 10 billion barrels of oil. When I look at you today, I feel like a Texas billionaire.
I would like to recognize one man who has worked tirelessly to ensure the quality of this conference. That man is Dr. Kenneth Mellanby, our conference chairman. Would you kindly join with me in giving him a round of applause?
We also have two distinguished vice-chairmen: Dr. Gerholm and Dr. King. Shall we also give them a round of applause?
Yet without having the presence of each one of you distinguished participants, this conference would never have been so successful. So let's give one final round of applause to the person sitting next to you.
I thank you for your hard work.
I think this conference has marked the beginning of a new era for ICUS. We are moving forward into a new challenge lying just ahead. We have more confidence than ever in the purpose and tradition of ICUS. Under the theme "Absolute Values and the New Cultural Revolution;" we shall continue working tirelessly to lead a changing world in the direction of true peace, freedom, and prosperity for all.
God bless you, your families, and your work. Please have a safe journey back home. I am looking forward to meeting you again next year in Washington DC. I also want to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all. Thank you very much.