Read. Then Think. And Then, Speak.

If you haven't watched Fran Lebowitz in Martin Scorsese's "Pretend It's a City" series on Netflix, you're missing out. You'll witness her unbridled confidence and polarizing opinions - delivered with wit and humor that is characteristically New York. While I moved to New York in 1998 - long after Ms Lebowitz's encounters with Andy Warhol - even I look back on a city that is very different today than it was then. Ms Lebowitz takes us even further back. A fascinating walk through (her) history of the city. I was sad when the series ended.

In 1978 Ms Lebowitz wrote a column for Newsweek - it was called Tips for Teens. Of course a lot has changed since 1978 but a few of her suggestions remain remarkably on point today - and not for teens. Perhaps especially not for teens.

This is my favorite: Ms Lebowitz's half quote - cited everywhere and on the New York Public Library coffee mug (sold in their store here) is this:

"Think before you speak.

Read before you think."

There is no doubt in my mind that our world would be a better place if we just did a bit more of this. Business Leaders. Managers. Coaches. Politicians. Parents. And of course, teenagers.

Imagine if we all just read a bit more.

Then thought about what we'd read.

And then (and only then) we shared our wonderfully rich opinions.

My guess is that we just might find ourselves being a little less volatile and significantly less reluctant to incite polarizing arguments (public figures especially don't seem to have conversations any more - they only have arguments).

However, the full quote from that Newsweek article contains more gems for us to think about:

"Think before you speak. Read before you think. This will give you something to think about that you didn't make up yourself - a wise move at any age, but most especially at 17, when you are in the greatest danger of coming to annoying conclusions."

It's a pity that it isn't only 17 year olds who come to annoying conclusions. Or rather, it's a pity that we aren't reading more. I've read stories about leaders (in business and in politics) who don't read much (or at all). Those blowhards in the meeting. Those windbags on the zoom calls. Next time think about how much they might have read. And how much they might have thought about what they're saying. And then buy them a book. I guess we shouldn't be surprised with the opinions they reach (literally) and the conclusions they draw.

Read. Then Think. And Then, Speak.

My full circle: When we moved from Manhattan's Upper West Side to Westchester, we bought our house from a retired Editorial Director of Newsweek. If only I could ring him up to ask if he'd worked with Ms Lebowitz on this (or anything else)... What an experience that must have been.