It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather. I possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration, I can humiliate or humour, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis is escalated or de-escalated, and a person is humanized or de-humanized. If we treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming.
Dr. Haim G. Ginott, 1922 – 1973, School teacher, Child psychologist and psychotherapist, Teacher and Child: A Book for Parents and Teachers.
Sometimes falsely attributed to Goethe. Thanks to Kim for pointing this out.
Hello! I just wanted to let you know that your quote for today is mis-attributed. It was actually written by Dr. Haim G. Ginott in his book Teacher and Child: A Book for Parents and Teachers. It is commonly mistakenly attributed to Goethe, but he did not say it.
Hi Kim, thanks so much for this. It seemed a bit modern sounding for Goethe. I am usually very careful in ensuring that the quotes are correctly attributed – and yours is only the second correction I have gotten in 10 years – but this one slipped through my net. I will change the attribution and appreciate your visiting and your comment, Best wishes, Karl
Love this quote, Karl!
“If we treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming.” That says a lot about the power of expectation and leadership. Thanks for sharing, Karl.