Thanks for sharing. The governor nailed it. So-called “leaders” who berate subordinates, who shout and publicly chastise folks, are not leaders and will ultimately fail. They are not strong--they are weak and seek to cover their weakness with bluster and bullying.
I am a retired Air Force Major General. I learned from the best and made every effort to treat everyone with kindness and respect, even as I demanded excellence, integrity and accountability. I was not the exception among my peers: I merely reflected the culture we corporately created.
JB is my governor and he’s long impressed me by his intelligence and ability to bring people together. I’m 73 years old and he’s one of many younger Democrats we have waiting to assume power if we can just move generations from mine.
I have never thought about "the kindest person in the room is often the smartest." I will always attempt to be kind. Whether I am smart or not isn't for me to judge.
It seems to me that the true believer “idiots”, who just give in to their worst impulses, would lose a lot of their influence if it wasn’t for the cold calculated “ends justify the means” folks who use them for their ends causing amplification of their actions.
Can you imagine the kind of country we would have if we elected kind and smart people from the top to the bottom of every ballot from dog catcher to President? Now that would be an Advanced Society I would like to live in.
Best Commencement address EVER! Thank you for giving us such powerful and inspiring words with which to commence our own New Year. I just shared this on my FB page. God bless you, Stephen, and God bless us, every one, in 2024.
I needed this as I woke up and moved into 2024. The evolution of the brain towards kindness is an unusual approach to idiots but we need to find these unevolved people and help them evolve into kindness. Thank you for this fresh look at idiocy.
Wow. I am so grateful for this insight into the character of the Illinois governor, and I suspect that Joe Biden is much the same. I fervently hope that people like this are the ones who rise to lead this country in the future.
Thank you for sharing Gov Pritzker’s extremely insightful comments. Some of the best advice to young people I can remember since Arnold Scwarzenegger’s commencement speech to the University of Houston in 2017. I recommend watching it on youtube. Entertaining and so important, especially given the time and atmosphere.
Kindness is so essential. Truly it is who we are when fear is not in the way.
Even the worshippers of Trump have kindness between each others I am sure. They are just not aware that the person they follow us in it for himself
I feel that either we are at the service to self or at the service to others. Service to others is what makes us truly happy. Being kind makes us truly happy, in the end being kind to others is being kind to ourself, as we unite.
Happy new year Mr. Beschloss thank you for all you do !! Happy new year everyone!! 🌿🌿🌸
After an onslaught of billionaires who thought being successful was enough qualification to run for high office, I didn't expect much from Pritzker - happy to be disappointed!
Excellent article, Steven. I know there are still incredible struggles ahead, but my hope is we all get through this with a new appreciation for our Democracy. I want to thank you for your many articles about our better angels and hope. I read you every day.
“The kindest person in the room is often the smartest”. I’ve found this to be true.
Thanks for sharing. The governor nailed it. So-called “leaders” who berate subordinates, who shout and publicly chastise folks, are not leaders and will ultimately fail. They are not strong--they are weak and seek to cover their weakness with bluster and bullying.
I am a retired Air Force Major General. I learned from the best and made every effort to treat everyone with kindness and respect, even as I demanded excellence, integrity and accountability. I was not the exception among my peers: I merely reflected the culture we corporately created.
JB is my governor and he’s long impressed me by his intelligence and ability to bring people together. I’m 73 years old and he’s one of many younger Democrats we have waiting to assume power if we can just move generations from mine.
I have never thought about "the kindest person in the room is often the smartest." I will always attempt to be kind. Whether I am smart or not isn't for me to judge.
It seems to me that the true believer “idiots”, who just give in to their worst impulses, would lose a lot of their influence if it wasn’t for the cold calculated “ends justify the means” folks who use them for their ends causing amplification of their actions.
Wishing Steve and everyone a Happy New Year.
Can you imagine the kind of country we would have if we elected kind and smart people from the top to the bottom of every ballot from dog catcher to President? Now that would be an Advanced Society I would like to live in.
Grateful for this piece.
So utterly true. Sorry Nick Lowe, it’s not “cruel to be kind.”
Best Commencement address EVER! Thank you for giving us such powerful and inspiring words with which to commence our own New Year. I just shared this on my FB page. God bless you, Stephen, and God bless us, every one, in 2024.
I needed this as I woke up and moved into 2024. The evolution of the brain towards kindness is an unusual approach to idiots but we need to find these unevolved people and help them evolve into kindness. Thank you for this fresh look at idiocy.
Wow. I am so grateful for this insight into the character of the Illinois governor, and I suspect that Joe Biden is much the same. I fervently hope that people like this are the ones who rise to lead this country in the future.
Wow. Thank you so much for your continual words of encouragement. May the new year Bless you, Sir!
Thank you for sharing Gov Pritzker’s extremely insightful comments. Some of the best advice to young people I can remember since Arnold Scwarzenegger’s commencement speech to the University of Houston in 2017. I recommend watching it on youtube. Entertaining and so important, especially given the time and atmosphere.
Kindness is so essential. Truly it is who we are when fear is not in the way.
Even the worshippers of Trump have kindness between each others I am sure. They are just not aware that the person they follow us in it for himself
I feel that either we are at the service to self or at the service to others. Service to others is what makes us truly happy. Being kind makes us truly happy, in the end being kind to others is being kind to ourself, as we unite.
Happy new year Mr. Beschloss thank you for all you do !! Happy new year everyone!! 🌿🌿🌸
After an onslaught of billionaires who thought being successful was enough qualification to run for high office, I didn't expect much from Pritzker - happy to be disappointed!
Excellent article, Steven. I know there are still incredible struggles ahead, but my hope is we all get through this with a new appreciation for our Democracy. I want to thank you for your many articles about our better angels and hope. I read you every day.
Have a wonderful, safe and very happy New Year.