Amazon founder Jeff Bezos spoke to the graduating class of Princeton last weekend, urging the students to think twice before being clever, and to use their gifts to be kind.
The billionaire’s parable centered on a story of himself at ten years old, traveling along on a road trip with his grandparents. Bezos, a 1986 grad of the university, calculated how many years his grandmother had cut her life short by smoking, and then told her. His grandfather stopped the car, made him get out, and said, “Jeff, one day you’ll understand that it’s harder to be kind than clever.”
The full speech is here. It has a good message, and we’re sure there are a number of people who would corroborate Bezos’ kindness. We’re also sure there are a a few who wouldn’t. Either way, it’s a good read, and good advice. (Via Publishers Lunch)