Great people have one common denominator: they help others, even people they do not know.
Why should we help people we do not know? Too many people think, “If I help a stranger, what might happen to me? But truly great people think, “If I do not help them, what will happen to them?” They do not expect anything in return. Instead, they help others because it is the right thing to do.
Should you help a stranger?
In 1892, at Stanford University, an 18 year-old student was struggling to pay his college fees. This student was an orphan, but a smart orphan. He decided to host a musical concert on campus to fund his education. He reached out to the great pianist Ignacy J. Paderewski, whose manager demanded a guaranteed fee of $2,000 for the recital. The student still made a deal and worked to make the concert a success.
But unfortunately, the student was unable to sell enough tickets to cover Paderewski’s $2,000 fee. Disappointed, he told Paderewski that he would pay him the entire $1,600 and give him the remaining $400 later.
“No,” said Paderewski. “This is not acceptable.” He returned the $1,600 to the student and said, “Here is the $1,600. Please deduct your college expenses and just give me what is left.” Surprised, the young man thanked the musician profusely.
This small act of kindness marked Paderewski as a great human being.
Later Paderewski became the prime minister of Poland, and this great leader ran into a crisis during World War I. There were more than 1.5 million people in Poland, and Poland had no money to feed them.
Paderewski turned to the US Food and Relief Administration for help. The head man there at the time was Herbert Hoover, who later became a US President. Hoover quickly shipped tons of food grains to feed the starving population of Poland.
When life in Poland settled down, Paderewski traveled to the US to thank Hoover personally. Paderewski began to thank Hoover for his noble gift. Hoover interjected, “You should not thank me, Mr. Prime Minister. Although you may not remember, some years ago, you helped a young boy with his college tuition. That was me.”
Paderewski’s kindness had returned to him.
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The world is a wonderful place, full of love if you look around for it. Remember this when you encounter a stranger in need. What goes around comes around!
Also never forget that your acts of kindness can change the world, one person at a time.
Be a great human being and help others every chance you can.
Let the encouraging words in these bobbiejrae posts help you
soar like an eagle above life’s storms.
What is the most important gift you can give anyone?
How do you respond when your life frustrates you?
Your mindset determines your success in life.
Have fun at your next gathering or party!
