Now I Like Good People

This is one of my favorite quotations of all time:

“Years ago I preferred clever people.  There was a joy in beholding a mind bearing thoughts quickly translated into words, or ideas expressed in a new way.  I find now that my taste has changed.  Verbal fireworks often bore me.  They seem motivated by self-assertion and self-display.  I now prefer another type of person; one who is considerate, understanding of others, careful not to break down another person’s self-respect.  My preferred person today is one who is always aware of the needs of others, or their pain and fear and unhappiness, and their search for self-respect.  I once liked clever people.  Now I like good people. ”

–Solomon Freehof

I remember first reading this sometime around 1992 or so, while on a Via Rail train…somewhere between Toronto & Ottawa.

It made a big impact on me, because it really does show you what’s important…and showcases how silly & useless “verbal fireworks” really are.