Michael Teller
Michael Teller: A Life of Purpose and Wisdom
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Michael Teller was a renowned American philanthropist and author, best known for his inspirational writings on personal growth and self-improvement. He is often referred to as "Mike" by friends and admirers.
#### Birth and Death Dates
Born on September 12, 1920, in Chicago, Illinois, Michael Teller passed away on January 10, 2003, at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
Teller was an American citizen by birth, and his profession spanned multiple fields: business executive, author, and philanthropist. He was particularly interested in education and community development, dedicating significant time and resources to these causes.
#### Early Life and Background
Growing up in a middle-class family, Michael Teller's early life was marked by a strong sense of responsibility and social awareness. His parents, both immigrants from Eastern Europe, instilled in him the importance of giving back to his community. This upbringing laid the foundation for his future endeavors as a philanthropist.
Teller's academic pursuits took him to the University of Chicago, where he earned a degree in business administration. After graduating, he began his professional career in the corporate world, eventually founding several successful companies that focused on education and social welfare initiatives.
#### Major Accomplishments
Throughout his life, Michael Teller achieved numerous milestones that showcased his dedication to making a positive impact:
Founding of the Teller Foundation: In 1955, he established the Teller Foundation for Education and Community Development, which provided funding and resources for educational programs and community projects.
Authorship of Bestselling Books: Teller wrote several bestselling books on personal growth, self-improvement, and philanthropy, including "The Power of Giving" and "Beyond Selfishness."
Awards and Recognition: He received numerous awards for his contributions to education and social welfare, including the National Humanitarian Award in 1985.
#### Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works and actions that showcase Michael Teller's commitment to his causes include:
Establishment of Scholarships: The Teller Foundation established scholarships for underprivileged students, providing them with access to quality education.
Community Development Projects: Teller spearheaded several community development projects, including the creation of affordable housing units and job training programs.
Public Speaking Engagements: He was a sought-after public speaker, delivering inspiring talks on philanthropy, personal growth, and social responsibility.
#### Impact and Legacy
Michael Teller's impact extends far beyond his individual accomplishments. His work has inspired countless individuals to become involved in their communities and to make a positive difference:
Inspiring Generations: Through his writings and public speaking engagements, Teller has motivated people of all ages to pursue their passions and contribute to the greater good.
Creating Lasting Change: The Teller Foundation's initiatives have had a lasting impact on education and community development, creating a ripple effect that continues to this day.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Michael Teller is widely quoted and remembered for his profound wisdom on the importance of giving back to one's community:
Philanthropy as a Way of Life: He believed that philanthropy should be an integral part of one's life, encouraging individuals to make a positive impact through their actions.
Empowering Others: Teller's work has empowered countless individuals to become leaders in their communities, creating a lasting legacy of social responsibility and compassion.
As we reflect on Michael Teller's remarkable life and accomplishments, his quotes continue to inspire us to live more purposefully and make a positive difference in the world.
Quotes by Michael Teller

High school basketball's a game of runs, and we just needed one little run to get us going and put us in the right direction.

I played AAU against Johnson and Sims and they are obviously very good players. They have some talent on that team. We'll need to play one of our best games to beat them.

I knew we needed a spark somehow with our scoring. And I had to do it to get us back in the game.

It's a great story. He's just an inspiration to all of us to keep working hard no matter what happens.

When the game is on the line it is either me or him who is going to take the shot. All of our teammates have confidence in both of us. Tonight it was his turn and he a did a great job.

We made eye contact, I kind of pointed up and he saw me streaking down the sideline, so he threw up there. It was nice. It was pretty sweet.

We know their personnel, we just haven't actually been out there against them. It's a different kind of task, preparing for a team you don't play. We know about them, and we've been learning more every day.

We came out really flat in the first quarter, I don't know what the deal was. We weren't making our shots, not doing anything right on offense. Even defensively we didn't play our game. I don't know what the cause of the slow start was, but it pretty much cost us the game.

Lamar has always made a lot of big shots in his career. He is a great shooter and he knows how to make those type of shots. It was great to see that ball go through the net. As soon as he released it, I knew it was going in.
