Perhaps I learned this from my mother, although I am not sure just when or how. Some people want to "be somebody" — and some just want to be treated like "somebody" — and there is a difference. For the later, one must pat people on the back, be seen with the right people, buy a big car, cultivate a superior air. With a bit of luck some people may think you are "somebody", and may seat you at the head table. If they call on you for a speech you can fake it with a few big words like "sacerdotalism".

Best I can tell, by just watching and thinking, anybody can be somebody if they are more interested in the process than they are in the product. Seems like those who are somebody couldn't care less about being somebody; but every one of them is plum sold on doing what it takes to be somebody. They are content with their place in life, without being too lazy to move up when the opening comes. They carefully prepare themselves for service, cultivating their talents and correcting their faults. And they are so interested in using themselves they never try to use others.

They are honest, with you and with themselves; humbled before God and considerate of their fellowmen. They are parents, domestics, professionals, ranch hands, teachers, bank clerks — giving their best, whatever that may be. They carry no chip if you forget their names, but you count it a privilege to know them. Some of them will have monuments of stone or bronze, but all will leave an indelible mark for good on civilization. No telling what could be done if we were less interested in acting like somebody, and got around to being somebody.