Skip to content
Andrew Tobias
Andrew Tobias

Money and Other Subjects

  • Home
  • Books
  • Videos
  • Bio
  • Archives
  • Links
  • Me-Mail
Andrew Tobias
Andrew Tobias

Money and Other Subjects

Happy Birthday, Reverend

January 21, 2008January 5, 2017

‘If a man is called to be a streetsweeper,’ Dr. King preached, ‘he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great streetsweeper who did his job well.’ ‘

For our part, we should treat that streetsweeper with respect for a job well done, and with genuine gratitude for doing a job we’d pay big bucks – but don’t – not to have to do ourselves.

Lest you think I’m lecturing you, I should say I’ve written this largely as a reminder to myself. ‘How are you today?’ I too often forget to ask as I get into a cab. ‘Thanks – good ride!’ I too often forget to say as I leave.*

* If any of this sounds familiar, you are a faithful reader indeed. I first ran this comment two thousand seven hundred fifty-two columns ago. But it’s a quote I particularly love, from a man who all ‘the hosts of heaven and earth’ surely agree did his job well.

Tomorrow, which you can read today: Cucumbers

Post navigation

← Remember Bidil?
Cucumbers →

Quote of the Day

"Banking establishments are more dangerous than standing armies."

Thomas Jefferson

Subscribe

 Advice

The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need

"So full of tips and angles that only a booby or a billionaire could not benefit." -- The New York Times

Help

MYM Emergency?

Too Much Junk?

Tax Questions?

Ask Less

Recent Posts

  • Repeal The Steal

    July 2, 2025
  • Our Record-High Stock Market

    June 30, 2025
  • Stuffing The Goose

    June 30, 2025
  • Yes! (Plus A Bonus)

    June 29, 2025
  • How Does THAT Make You Feel . . .

    June 27, 2025
  • Randi, David, Ken, and HYMC

    June 26, 2025
  • Six Links For Your Consideration

    June 25, 2025
  • Weekend Reading

    June 20, 2025
  • Oh, My

    June 18, 2025
  • 3 Quick Clips

    June 17, 2025
Andrew Tobias Books
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
©2025 Andrew Tobias - All Rights Reserved | Website: Whirled Pixels | Author Photo: Tony Adams