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Words of wisdom: Dr. George Garlick reflects on living in rural Nebraska
by Betty Sayers

[Editor’s Note: Nebraska Rural Living’s Betty Sayers had the privilege of interviewing Curtis leader and benefactor Dr. George Garlick in preparation of the Curtis-Maywood profile in this edition. His words eloquently express the value of a rural place to be and become in a modern world.]

Dr. George Garlick is a man of many talents and is rich in experience. He grew up in Curtis, Nebraska, where he graduated from high school, then went on to attend the South Dakota School of Mines where he graduated in the college of engineering, achieved his PhD from the University of Iowa and ultimately taught at California Polytechnic University.  Dr. Garlick’s scientific work developing a holographic ultrasound scanner eventually led to the start-up of some 20 international companies and great personal success.

Despite his worldly experience, George Garlick never forgot his early years in Curtis.  At various times in his life, he returned to Curtis and several years ago he was speaking to the Garden Prairie Church congregation, the church home for the Garlick family.  He noticed there a painting that his mother painted early in his life before they left the farm; it continued to hang in the church vestibule.  He felt deep gratitude for the Curtis area residents and for the good fortune and assistance they provided his family at a time when his dad was unable to do farm work. The Nebraska State High School, a boarding school in Curtis which would eventually become the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, offered his dad work as a janitor, and Dr. Garlic himself worked at odd jobs in the community to help support the family.

Gene O. Morris, former publisher of the McCook Daily Gazette wrote, “When most people see limitation and loss, Dr. George Garlic envisions prosperity, and much of his philosophy was acquired from his own father who Dr. Garlick says was a ‘truly rich man’ although he never made over a dollar an hour in his working life.”   Dr. Garlick said that his father was rich in knowledge and rich in insight. 

Dr. Garlick speaks to us as a man of God, a scientist, an entrepreneur, author, benefactor and citizen of the world.  His life experiences and business successes teach us about entrepreneurship, living a meaningful life, and giving.   He speaks about trust in God and manifesting an inspiration-filled and accomplishing life. In 2010 Dr. Garlick published a book, The Journey to Truth.  In it, he compares scientific truths and spiritual scripture, and readers may understand ways the two disciplines support each other rather than the argument that sees science and spirituality in opposition.  In The Journey to Truth, Dr. Garlick shares his personal journey searching for the truths of the universe, and readers may glimpse the genius and the generous spirit of the author in his writing.

In an interview with Dr. Garlick in May 2011, he responded to my question, “Why would anyone live in a small town in rural Nebraska?”  Dr. Garlick paused and thought, and he said, “Why would anyone want to live anywhere else?  People who live in New York, Seattle, London, and Tokyo don’t have the life that we have here.”

“Most often, the quality of my life and the richness in my life has little relationship with the numbers of people around me.  Jesus Christ wasn’t at the center of society; he sought out the fringes and lived with ordinary people.

“Each of us needs to ask ourselves, ‘Where do I feel most comfortable, and more than that, where can I make the biggest impact for society and leave a legacy?’ 

“People dread being isolated and alone, and yet in the Creation, one is never isolated and never alone.  If the environment in which we find ourselves is a busy place, it can interfere with our connections with the Creation.

‘Since the Internet, there are no limits on where and when we communicate and accomplish our work; many people in large cities telecommute.  They may live in the city yet they work out of their home.

‘We need to find answers to the question, what is life about?  How may I respond to life and improve it during my mortal walk?  In my own case, I have a real feeling of connectedness with the Universe here in the Medicine Creek Valley, and I always feel a drawing or calling to come back here.  I respond and listen to the sense of connection, and I feel a sense of calm, fulfillment in my life and maybe even closure.”

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