Jon Fisher - I Took the Only Path To See You

I explained to Art that I had a high school student who was very smart and wanted my help in building a laser. I asked Art if maybe he had a graduate student or post-doc with some extra time who could help us out a little.

To my surprise, Art said, “I'll do it.”

The idea that the inventor of the laser would volunteer his time to work with a high school student was very generous, very kind, and very special. However, I said, “I don't think it's something we should do. I know you're extremely busy, and I really don't think that would be appropriate.”

Art insisted, “I'd be happy to do it. Unless, of course, you prefer someone else?”

I had to tell Art, “I don't prefer someone else. I just think it would be more appropriate to ask someone else.”

Art eventually recommended one of his post-docs, who was very much willing to help this high school student, and I was happy to be part of this interaction. Together, they built the laser and the project was a success. Ironically, 20 years later, this post-doc is now a major scientist and head of his lab in laser physics.

Now there's the question of, why did this post-doc volunteer? Even more intriguing is, why did Art volunteer? Both men apparently agreed to help this high school student because that's just the kind of people they were. They were both warm, sweet, and kind. Not only were they generous with their time, but their actions demonstrated without hesitation that they were truly concerned about other people, and that kind of behavior was contagious with everyone they met.

Art could have been a typical sort by hiding behind his co-invention of the laser and winning a Nobel Prize, but his willingness to help others did not make it more difficult for him to be a success. In fact, his kindness enhanced the productivity and morale of everyone who worked with him so Art's kindness actually helped make him more successful.

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