It is better to be pleasant than smart
“In this world, Elwood, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. For years, I was smart. Today, I recommend pleasant.”
This quote from the play Harvey, with James Stewart, had a dramatic effect on my life.
If you’ve never seen the movie or the play, the movie is about Elwood P. Dodd, who is a pleasant individual who spends his life wandering around, inviting people to get to know him. He is without guile, without pretension, just an open and welcoming soul. He’s kind of like a 5-year-old.
It’s fascinating. Seeing the movie, I wished I could be out there in the world, inviting people to get to know me.
I’d spent years being smart, trying to impress people with knowledge, my brilliance, forcing myself on others, but sadly few were impressed.
The idea here is to just be open and friendly, To let people come closer and get to know me. As they get closer, they will see my skills, intelligence, my character, and appreciate me for who I am.
I heard this for the first time when I was starting IWantCollectibles.com. Based on this saying I decided to adopt the personality of a friendly, knowledgeable person who freely shared information.
At first it was an act, but over time I slowly became a friendly, knowledgeable person.
Today, I’m a friendly knowledgeable person who freely shares information and encouragement.
It’s a whole different life for me. I’m a better person, and the people I attract into my life are better too. Better people make for better times.
It’s better to be pleasant than smart.
Great post!
This reminds me of “Would you rather be right or happy?”
When I was young, I never thought there was a point unless I was right and being happy WAS being right.
Now, at 54, I’ve learned what a difference there is and to be happy is so much better, all the way round. Less pressure not to have to know everything and it makes me better company.
I’m very much enjoying your thoughts here, thank you.