argus

Another email from my sister (trust me, I get a bajillion) — but this one had a lesson that was, shall we say, particularly timely. So I’ll share.

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the “Peanuts” comic strip. You don’t have to actually answer the questions. Just read straight through; you’ll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world. 2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners. 3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America. 4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize. 5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winner for best actor and actress. 6. Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.

How did you do? None of us remember the headliners of yesterday. And these are no second-rate achievers: they are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Acheivements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Now, see how you do on these: 1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school. 2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time. 3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile. 4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special. 5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier? The lesson: the people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.

The ones that care. Simple enough — but life has a way of crowding out the “simple enough” lessons such that we sometimes need to be reminded of them every now and again.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 20th, 2005 at 5:43:27 pm and is filed under Foam, Commentary. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.