Lesson from the Sun

I'm reading How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. It is an absolute must read for any human that breathes. It has helped me become a better individual overall.

There is a fable between the sun and wind that Carnegie uses to illustrate a point about approaching people. It goes something like this.

The wind and sun were quarreling about who was stronger. The wind proclaimed that he was stronger and to demonstrate, he told the sun that he could knock off the jacket of that man walking along the path. The sun went behind some clouds and the wind began to blow. And as he blew the man only clutched his jacket even harder. The wind blew harder, but the man simply clutched his jacket even more. The wind finally gave up, and gently the sun came out from behind the clouds. He gave the man a soft smile and the man took off his jacket because of the warmth he felt. The sun looked at the wind and said,

Everyone has the desire to be appreciated and valued. Simply offering a gentle smile can warm the heart of any individual.