"相手が何もしてくれない人に対する態度で、その人の品性を容易に判断することができます。"

How someone treats people who can't give them anything in return says a lot about their true character. This idea is simple: it’s easy to be nice to someone when you need something from them or when they can help you out. But the real test of your character is how you treat someone who can't do anything for you.

Think about it. Imagine a CEO of a big company. During a meeting with important clients, they're charming, attentive, and all smiles. They need these clients to sign a deal, after all. But later, that same CEO walks past a janitor in the hallway and doesn’t even nod or smile. That’s telling. It shows that their kindness is reserved for when they can gain something.

This concept isn't new. It dates back a long time, attributed to various historical figures and often linked to the idea of genuine kindness and humility. Treating everyone with respect and kindness, regardless of their status, is a universal marker of good character.

Let me give you a vivid example. Picture a busy restaurant. The owner, Maria, is always bustling around, ensuring everything runs smoothly. She’s polite to customers, often stopping by tables to ask if everything's okay. But what stands out even more is how she interacts with her staff. One evening, a new dishwasher accidentally breaks a pile of plates. The staff freezes, expecting a scolding. Instead, Maria calmly helps him clean up the mess and says, "It’s okay, these things happen. Let’s be more careful next time." The dishwasher can’t do anything for Maria—he’s not a high-paying customer, he’s not a food critic, he’s just a kid on his first job. Maria’s response shows her true character.

So, how can you apply this in your life? Start small. Treat everyone you meet with the same respect you'd show a person you admire. Smile at the cashier, thank the bus driver, be kind to the telemarketer who calls you during dinner. These small acts reveal who you are when no one's watching.

Now, let me tell you about a scenario that illustrates this beautifully. Imagine you’re at a networking event, buzzing with people. You’re keen to make connections that might help your career. Across the room, you spot a young intern, nervously clutching a drink, clearly out of place. Most people at the event would overlook her, focusing on the big shots. But you walk over, strike up a conversation, and genuinely listen to her story. You don’t expect anything in return—you’re just being kind. Years later, that intern becomes a significant industry player and remembers your kindness. But even if she never does, your actions still speak volumes about your character.

So next time you’re rushing through your day, remember: it’s not about grand gestures or heroic acts. It’s the small, everyday interactions that truly define us. Treat everyone you encounter—no matter how seemingly insignificant—with kindness and respect. Your character isn’t built in a day, but in those countless small moments. And trust me, people notice. More importantly, you'll notice too.