Dante Gabriel Rossetti,
the famous 19th-century poet and artist, was once approached by an elderly man.
The old fellow had some
sketches and drawings that he wanted Rossetti to look at and tell him if they
were any good, or if they at least showed potential talent.
Rossetti looked
over them carefully. After the first few, he knew that they were worthless
but Rossetti was a kind man, he told the elderly man as gently as possible that
the pictures were without much value and showed little talent. He was sorry,
but he could not lie to the man. The man was disappointed, but seemed to expect
Rossetti’s judgment.
The old man then
apologized for taking up Rossetti’s time, but asked him to look at a few more
drawings.
Rossetti looked over the
second batch of sketches and immediately became enthusiastic over the talent
they revealed. “These,” he said, “oh, these are good.”
“This young student has a
great talent. He should be given every help and encouragement. He has a great
future.”
Rossetti could see that
the old fellow was deeply moved.
“Who is this fine young
artist?” he asked, “Your son?”
“No,” said the old man
sadly.
“It is me - 40 years ago.
If only I had heard your praise then! For you see, I got discouraged and gave
up – too soon.”
“Our chief want is
someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
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