Urgency of opportunity, an address by Robert M. Trueblood on the occasion of his installation as president of the American Institute of CPAs, September 20, 1960, Dallas, Texas;

              The Urgency of
Opportunity
An address by Robert M. Trueblood on the occasion
of his installation as president of the American
Institute of CPAs
September 20,1965 Dallas, Texas
simple sober fact. Society today is frequently hard-pressed
to adjust to the forces of change and to the demands and
opportunities of a somewhat uncertain future. In almost
every sphere of activity, one feels the urgency for con­sidered,
but rapid, evolution.
Social maladjustment and ferment are reflected daily
in newspaper headlines. These day-by-day reports of
trouble and unrest remind us how far we are from our
ultimately desired social and moral goals.
In the world of economics, we stand at the threshold
of a new age — one which is predominantly characterized
by the emergence of automation and the computer. These
new technologies have already affected the needs and
attitudes of industry and Government. Even the role of
man himself is being challenged by the impact of auto­mation.
But, most importantly, these changes in our social and
economic environments are inter-active. Technological
advancement typically induces social change. Accord-
In accepting the responsibility given to me this morn­ing,
I am deeply conscious of the Institute's tradition of
service, and of the heritage it has created.
Notable in this heritage are the many contributions of
the Institute's past officers. It is their quality of spirit
which has made our great profession what it is today.
Conspicuous also are the contributions of some 1,200
of our members who work each year on committees and
boards. These committee members serve at no small sacri­fice,
with little regard for personal recognition—and with
considerable indulgence on the part of their firms and
their families.
No other professional association can match the degree
of participation which is made by our members. It is
this voluntary service, it is this deep personal commitment
that give our profession and our Institute their vigor and
their vitality.
* * *
We are living in a challenging time. And if this obser­vation
seems commonplace, it is because it expresses
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