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.
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