I want to be more of a mensch, in the sense that Guy Kawasaki describes it in his book The Art of the Start :
“Mensch is the Yiddish term for a person who is ethical, decent and admirable. It is the highest form of praise one can receive from people whose opinions matter.”
Guy describes three foundations for menschhood:
- Helping lots of people, especially those who cannot help you (although I personally believe it’s impossible to determine in advance who can and can’t help you … in fact, I actually believe that everyone has something of value to offer, even when it’s not immediately obvious).
- Do what’s right (not what’s easy, expedient, money-saving or possible to get away with)
- Pay back society, for such gifts as
- family and friends
- spiritual fulfillment
- good health
- beautiful surroundings
- economic success
- a hat trick every once in a while
In writing this down, I’m reminded of the Instant Karma book I picked up at Jamba Juice a while back … I also recognize that this is the kind of thing I would normally write about in my “primary” blog (http://gumption.typepad.com) ... more evidence my growing obsession with 43 Things.
