Don't be a Schmuck!

On Friday, I got interviewed by one of the student reporters from my school. He asked me what my life motto is.

The question made me freeze, as I don't think I ever hold on to those motivational quotes much ya.

But after a while, I think there is one sentence that I always keep repeating whenever I go.

"Don't be a Schmuck!"

The exact wording should be more graphic, but I tried to find a better synonym for the last word.

It's being taught in my previous company, with the complete statement from the founding partner being:?"Don't be a Schmuck! Never hire a Schmuck!"

No matter how smart, good, and talented you are, if your behavior is unacceptable. If you don't treat other people like decent human beings, don't expect to be hired in that company.

This sentence then becomes one of my adages. I will do my best to treat other people with respect, but in return, I never value anyone, regardless of their ranks or privilege, if they treat other people like a schmuck.

Compassion over judgment. Be emphatic. Understand other people's situations and think about them first before you think about yourself.