“In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant…”

Smart always has to be right. Smart makes others feel bad or inferior. Smart always leads the converation. Smart has to win the argument. Smart tears others down. Smart alienates itself. Smart allows pride to get in the way of progress. Smart regularly misses opportunities to grow. Smart is insecure.

Pleasant can learn from being wrong. Pleasant makes others feel valued and involved. Pleasant learns from showing a genuine interest in what others have to say. Pleasant avoids conflicts and looks for agreeable solutions. Pleasant builds others up. Pleasant finds it easy to make new friends and connections. Pleasant improves the mood of everybody around. Pleasant gets a “yes”, when smart often gets a “no”. Pleasant is remarkable.

“…Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant.”

Credits go to Mary Chase, for the original quote.