Remember that time I was inspired by something Newt Gingrich (allegedly) said?
listen.
learn.
help.
lead.
This is (allegedly) good ol’ Newt’s mantra. Read it in an AMAZING profile of the man, myth and asshole in Esquire (or was it GQ!?) I was struck by how simple it seemed. I was doubly struck by my reaction to those words—total lightbulb, “AHA!” moment. Color me horrified when I realized he governed his life by that principle. I think it may be illegal for a left-leaning lady like myself to derive any sort of inspiration from someone so thoroughly anti-everything I hold true. But, such is life.
listen.
learn.
help.
lead.
I keep repeating it. I use it as I interact with students at work. I mediate on those words and what they signify. I cannot say I’ve arrived at anything I would be willing to share. Perhaps one day my thoughts will have sorted themselves out and I can express the impact of Newt Gingrinch on my young life.
