Tom Hanks, Mr. Rodgers and You

A Part-time Fan

I am a “part-time fan” of Ezra Klein’s Podcast creatively named The Ezra Klein Show. I’m a “part-time fan” because sometimes it is dry as toast on a hot day in Death Valley and sometimes it is unreasonably brilliant, insightful, compelling and captivating.

Such was the case with his recent interview of the actor Tom Hanks. The entire interview was fascinating and I encourage you to find it on your favorite podcasting app. A key exchange occurred as Klein asks Hanks the source his attraction with the characters he’s played. Hanks has famously played James Lovell in “Apollo 13”, Chelsey Sullenberger in “Sully” and Fred Rodgers in “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”. The exchange had me riveted. I was working on re-building a table while I listened, but found I had to pause the project after having to stop several times, to rewind and relisten.

The “Why” of Tom Hanks’ Roles

Klein asked Hanks why he takes on certain roles. Hanks replied that he only takes roles where there is something about the character and story that “absolutely fascinates" him. He talks about “the root philosophy” of the character and “the grand motivations of who they are”. I found it intriguing that what attracted one of the greatest actors of this generation was the character's philosophy and purpose. Then they discussed Fred Rodgers.

Mr. Rodgers was an Innovator

Hanks goes on to tell a story about Fred Rodgers. It seems that Mr. Rodgers was ordained Minister who wanted to make television his "Church" and the children who watched his congregation. In his “Church” he did not talk about God, heaven or hell, he focused on being a good person - good words and good deeds to everyone he met in his neighborhood. His traditional church, where he was ordained, told him to take a hike.

He works at it “All the Time”

Klein went on to mention a scene in the movie where a reporter asks Rodger’s wife about how Fred was so damn nice all the time. She says something like “He works at it all the time. It’s a practice.” It stopped me cold. Mr. Rodgers had to work relentlessly hard at being nice? At being a good person? That really struck me as odd. It’s like saying the ocean had to work hard to be wet. I listened to that several times.

What does this have to do with you and me?

I think we would all agree that Mr. Rodgers is a stellar example of kindness. Kind words. Kind deeds. It seems like it came natural to him. I never really considered that he had to really work to maintain that “goodness” while being confronted with difficult, unreasonable, greedy, angry, annoying… people every day. Yet, he worked at it. He practiced it. He struggled and likely made some mistakes along the way. While he may have been predisposed to be kind, he had to work at it... "All the time". It was a choice. A personal philosophy.

Think About This

So, here’s my Think-about-it-Thursday questions for you – How would you describe your personal philosophy? Are you practicing it now. Are you working at it “all the time”? Could you describe it succinctly if someone asked?

Here's something to remember: It's not optional. You're being your philosophy right now. It’s who you are. It can just happen accidentally or you can make the choice to live it each moment. It’s your personal philosophy and should be consistent across your work, home life and community activities. It's a practice and it takes practice.

Mr. Rodgers was kind. Tom Hanks uses his craft to tell the inner stories of the amazing characters he portrays. What are you being in the world? What’s your personal philosophy? Think about it. Choose. Then write it down and get to work practicing.

Happy Think about it Thursday!

Mike?