In his childhood, Jeff Bezos, received a valuable lesson from his grandfather that left a lasting impact.
During a summer spent at his grandparents’ Texas ranch at the age of ten, Bezos, who would later become one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, immersed himself in the world of numbers. His fascination with math led him to calculate various things, from gas mileage to useless statistics and grocery spending.
One day, while seated in the back of his grandparents’ car, Bezos overheard a radio ad stating that each puff of a cigarette reduces one’s overall lifespan. Disliking the fact that his grandmother was a smoker, he decided to calculate the number of years she had potentially taken off her life.
Estimating the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the puffs per cigarette, Bezos proudly shared his findings with his grandmother, proclaiming, “At two minutes per puff, you’ve taken nine years off your life!” However, instead of applause, his grandmother burst into tears.
This unexpected reaction prompted Bezos’s grandfather to pull over, step out of the car, and wait for his grandson. In that moment, he imparted a crucial lesson to young Jeff, saying, “Jeff, one day you’ll understand that it’s harder to be kind than clever.”
Consider the bosses you hold in high regard, the leaders you find inspiring, and the individuals you genuinely enjoy being around.
Sure, they’re likely intelligent and accomplished, but that’s not the main reason you appreciate their company and aspire to emulate them.
What truly distinguishes them?
Their kindness. Even when it’s challenging.
Jeff Bezos aptly expressed, “Cleverness is a gift, kindness is a choice.” Intelligence may be developed, but kindness is a conscious decision.
You have the power to choose inclusion over exclusion. You can opt to uplift others rather than bring them down. Giving without the expectation of receiving, generously sharing the spotlight, and being a better listener than a talker are all choices you can make.
Choosing to do something kind—simply because you can, not because it’s anticipated—is within your control.
Regardless of how intelligent you are, the choice to be kind is always available.
Start making that choice today.
