"回顾过去，人们对杰出的老师心怀感激，但却更感激那些触动我们人类情感的人。"

The heart of this idea is that while we admire the teachers who dazzled us with their knowledge and brilliance, we feel truly grateful to those who connected with us on a deeper, more human level—those who understood our emotions and touched our lives in a personal way.

Now, imagine you're in high school. There's that one teacher who's a genius at math, but let's be honest, they're a bit intimidating. You appreciate their skill, sure, but it’s hard to feel connected. Then, there's Mr. Johnson, your history teacher. He's not just teaching you about ancient civilizations; he's sharing stories that make you laugh, that make history come alive. When you’re struggling, he notices and asks if you're okay. He makes you feel seen.

That’s the core of this quote. It's not just about learning facts or figures. It's about teachers who reach out and make us feel human, understood, and valued. This was probably said in a context where someone was reflecting on their past education, realizing how the emotional connections made a lasting impact over pure academic brilliance.

Take the example of Jaime Escalante, the math teacher from Garfield High School in East Los Angeles in the 1980s. His story was even turned into the movie “Stand and Deliver.” Escalante didn’t just teach math; he connected with his students on a personal level. Many of his students were from tough neighborhoods and faced numerous challenges. But Escalante believed in them. He showed them that he cared about their success in life, not just in calculus. His belief in them and his understanding of their struggles inspired his students to achieve incredible results.

So, how do you apply this in your own life? If you’re a teacher, don’t just aim to fill your students' heads with knowledge. Try to connect with them emotionally. Show them that you care about their well-being. If you’re in any other role, the advice still applies: Connect with people on a human level. Whether you're a manager, a coach, or even a friend, showing empathy and understanding will leave a lasting impression.

Let’s put this into a more relatable scenario. Think about your workplace. There’s a manager who’s brilliant—knows the business inside out—but they’re all business, all the time. Then there’s another manager who maybe isn’t as technically sharp but takes the time to ask how your weekend was, who remembers your kid’s name, who recognizes when you’re having a tough day and says, “Hey, let’s grab a coffee and talk.” Who are you more likely to go the extra mile for? Who do you feel more grateful to?

In essence, what this quote reminds us is that human connections are what we cherish the most. It’s those who take the time to understand and touch our feelings that we remember with gratitude. So, as you go about your day, think about how you can touch someone's life—not just by what you know, but by how you show you care.