Be a Mensch
A word I grew up hearing a lot in my house was “Mensch.” It’s a Yiddish word which means “a real human being, standup guy, a person of integrity and honor, someone whom you always can count on, a decent, caring person—man or woman.” Whenever I heard my mother, father, or grandparents refer to someone as a real Mensch, I knew that individual was being given the highest stamp of approval.
A Mensch is trustworthy; are you? Does your word have meaning, or do you toss promises around like confetti, without regard to backing them up with action? F. Scott Fitzgerald said, “Action is character.” It’s so easy to say, “Sure, I’ll do that for you,” and then put it on the backburner, forget all about it. A Mensch never forgets to follow up.
A Mensch likes his fellow man/woman; do you? Do you truly like to be with people, or do you see them as pains in the derriere, irritants to be put up with and avoided if at all possible?
A Mensch wants to serve his fellow man/woman, make a positive difference in their lives; do you? Or are they all out there only to serve you, to provide for your benefit? Do you devote time to thinking of ways to serve and help others, or do you spend all your time at the well of narcissism, admiring your reflection?
A Mensch is honest in all business dealings; are you? If it isn’t win-win, a Mensch isn’t going to participate; just the thought of taking unfair advantage of someone is so abhorred to a Mensch, it gives him an aching in his gut. A Mensch never would unethically sell out anyone for the “right price.” Nor would he ruthlessly try to advance himself at another’s expense.
We live in such a rushed world these days; we’re all so damn busy running around like that chicken with its head cut off, we’re oblivious, completely out of touch with the important people in our lives, to say nothing of the “strangers” (a stranger is simply someone you just haven’t had the pleasure of getting to know yet) we come into contact with. When I was a kid, people found the time to make sure they behaved like a Mensch; today, not so much. I think it’s time to stop, catch our collective breath, and start thinking and behaving like a Mensch, don’t you? So let me suggest you lead the way. Today; right this minute. Make a commitment to be a Mensch and make this a better world to live in—for yourself, your family and friends, and all you come in contact with. You know what they’ll say about you?
They’ll say, “He’s a real Mensch!” And won’t that just be terrific?
Posted by Robert Terson | 6 comments
Dr. Rae
Bravo Robert, your post today reminded me that I owe you a review of your book. Not sure exactly when this is going to happen since I’ve been having online reading issues… Thank you for your fearless reminder!
Robert Terson
Hi, Rae, good to hear from you. Well, we’re a real pair: you’ve got online reading issues and I’m dealing with sciatica. Took a MRI last Thursday, found out I have a Synovial cyst between L4and L5, which a little microsurgery should take care of; going to see the surgeon Tuesday. Your health is far more important than a book review; just take good care of yourself. As Gilda (in the persona of Roseanne Rosanna Danna) said: “It’s always something!”
Paul Alves
Great advice Bob. In a profession that does not always get the credit it deserves, it’s important to always do the right thing. You might be surprised how thankful your prospects and customers will be.
Paul
Robert Terson
Right, Paul, well said. It was great talking to you yesterday. Your guest-blog contributions to this site have been sensational; looking forward to more of your wisdom.
Michael D Goodman
I grew up hearing the same word Bob and I came to believe that the grounding of the word is a demonstration of faith in God. That when your faith is in the Almighty, you didn’t need to take advantage of anyone and you were comfortable sharing what you had, simply because you held the faith that “God Provides.”
Whether or not that is how it is translated or thought of today, the concept of being a mensch pays dividends as a lifestyle that are beyond measurement. Thanks for the reminder and for your friendship.
Michael
Robert Terson
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and wisdom, Michael. The friendship we now share is a two-way street; I’m so glad we found each other and look forward to deepening our friendship.