“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
I wrote yesterday about heroes and inspirational figures and today I want to write about the measure of a person. I love the quote about how a person’s true character comes out when no one is looking. I also believe you can judge a person on how they treat the people who can do nothing for them, or how they treat wait staff in restaurants and hotels. I’ve seen too many people who are considered wonderful human beings treat service staff terribly. I also can’t stomach the people who are sickly sweet with superiors present but turn into ogres as soon as they leave.
The people I most enjoy being with are the same people day in and day out. This blog’s two other authors come to mind when I think of great humans. They are genuinely good people -even when no one is looking. We have all written about how much we enjoy each other’s company and I believe it’s because who we are 24/7. I see that in other relationships as well. Watching the Master’s tournament yesterday and seeing how Sergio Garcio and Justin Rose behaved was very impressive. It was a textbook example of sportsmanship and really showed the measure of both golfers. Also, watching how Jordan Spieth handled his bad round was also impressive. He faced the press and was gracious in his interview.
My mother always said that all she wanted was for me and my brother to be good men. Men that their children could be proud of. I hope the same for my children, just be good human beings. Love, laugh, and be kind. Live life with no regrets and leave everyplace better than when you found it.
“The thought manifests the word;
The word manifests the deed;
The deed develops into habit;
And habit hardens into character;
So watch the thought and its ways with care,
And let them spring forth from love
Born out of compassion for all beings.
As the shadow follows the body, as we think, so we become.”
― Juan Mascaró