Reborn in America: Starting as a California Resident

"Mr. Henry, this is probably the real reason you invited me to meet!"

Douglas smiled knowingly; clearly, he had anticipated Henry's intentions.

"I have always firmly believed that technological progress should focus on solving practical problems and improving people's quality of life."

If our efforts can make manufacturing more efficient and environmentally friendly, while also bringing convenience to users, then it is indeed a great cause worth devoting our efforts to.

"That's true, and I believe that with your help, we can accelerate this process."

Henry understood the meaning behind Douglas's words and nodded in deep agreement. He then said, "Industry 4.0 is not just a technological leap, but also a major transformation of the socio-economic structure."

In this process, we need experts like yourself to guide us and ensure we are on the right track.

After a moment of contemplation, Douglas looked at Henry and said, "I am willing to consider your proposal, but I also hope that our cooperation will not only be technical but also include consideration of the future social impact."

For example, how will increased automation affect workers' employment?

How can we protect their rights?

Henry listened attentively to Douglas's words, and then replied, "These are very important issues, and they are issues that our company has been thinking about and trying to resolve."

However, since we are currently in the early stages of technological development, many solutions still require time and practice to explore.

If all goes well, I will do my utmost to mobilize resources and cooperate with the government and all sectors of society to promote the formulation of relevant policies to protect those who may lose their jobs due to technological advancements.

At the same time, we will also dedicate ourselves to developing easy-to-use technologies so that more people can receive retraining and thus be competent in emerging jobs...

Douglas nodded after hearing this, clearly satisfied with Henry's answer.

"I'm glad to hear that you're considering this."

Technological development should not be the exclusive domain of a few, but rather a shared achievement of the entire society.

If our collaboration can not only drive technological progress but also address issues of social equity, then I believe our cooperation will be very meaningful.

Henry smiled and extended his hand, saying sincerely, "Thank you very much for your understanding and trust, Dr. Douglas."

I believe that our joint efforts will pave the way for the future, making Industry 4.0 a true revolution that benefits everyone.

Going forward, the company will provide its research and development department with no less than $2000 million in funding annually.

"You have absolutely no need to worry about your salary and benefits—an annual salary of $80, with a 10% increase every three years;"

We also provide you with two half-month-long company-sponsored trips each year, with full reimbursement for first-class airfare, including your family members.

In addition, you will receive a 2% commission on product profits and stock option rewards.

This benefit is valid indefinitely. As long as you work for Dream Company until retirement, this income will become a permanent source of wealth for your family, unless the company goes bankrupt.

Douglas smiled with satisfaction upon hearing these terms, but then raised a practical question: "I'm still under contract with Tymshare, so I can't just leave easily."

Henry nodded understandingly and added, "Of course I've considered that. A professional legal team will assist you with everything later."

Douglas Engelbart was born on January 30, 1925, in Portland, Oregon.

He served as a naval radio technician during World War II and was inspired by Vannevar Bush's article "Our Possible Thinking".

He has achieved remarkable academic accomplishments, including a bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering/Computer Science from the University of California, Berkeley.

He also participated in the development of CALDIC.

Although his attempts to commercialize the research were unsuccessful, his collaboration with Hewitt Crane bore fruit at the Stanford Research Institute.

After a 20-year career at the Stanford Research Institute, Douglas went on to work as a senior researcher at Tymshare and McDonnell Douglas.

His recent experience at Tymshare has left him somewhat frustrated, as his projects require substantial funding, and the return on investment for hardware products is much longer than that for software or games. These factors have put immense pressure on him from the board and management.

However, he hasn't been very happy at Temsheer recently;

This is because some of his recent projects require substantial financial support, and the return on investment for hardware products is much longer than that for software and games.

These factors successfully put enormous pressure on him from the board and management.

After careful consideration, Douglas finally agreed to Henry's invitation.

"Mr. Getty, I greatly appreciate your vision and sincerity."

Since you have considered so many details and offered such generous terms, I think I have no reason to refuse such a promising opportunity.

I am willing to accept your invitation to join your team and work together to achieve the goals of Industry 4.0.

Henry's smile widened even more upon hearing this.

"Great, Dr. Douglas, I'm sure our collaboration will be very pleasant."

I immediately instructed my assistant to begin processing the relevant paperwork to ensure everything went smoothly.

As for Temsheer, we will contact them as soon as possible to resolve the contractual issues.

As he spoke, Henry took a document from Liam and handed it to Douglas.

"This is our letter of intent for cooperation. Please review it and sign it."

Then we can move on to a more detailed contract negotiation phase to ensure that every clause meets your expectations.

Douglas took the document, read it carefully for a few minutes, and finding nothing amiss, signed his name on it.

After signing, Henry put away the documents, then took out a pre-prepared check from the folder and handed it to Douglas.

"This is a $50 signing bonus, as an initial trust-building step in our collaboration."

Please accept this; it's just a small token of our sincerity in this collaboration.

Douglas accepted the check, surprised by Henry's generosity but also sensing his sincerity.

He nodded in acceptance.

"Thank you for your generosity, Mr. Henry."

I believe this is just a good start.

"This is certainly a great start."

Henry smiled again and extended his hand, offering his personal business card made of gold leaf, saying, "This is my business card. Please feel free to contact me if you have any needs or questions."

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