“One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings.”

Simplified Meaning:

When we think about our past, we remember the smart teachers who taught us important lessons. But we feel truly grateful to those who connected with us on a personal level and made us feel understood and cared for. For example, imagine a student who had a math teacher that helped them excel in solving problems. That student might appreciate the teacher's knowledge. However, a different teacher who took the time to listen, offered support during tough times, and made learning enjoyable would leave a deeper, more lasting impact on that student’s life. In simple terms, people remember and are thankful for those who made them feel valued, rather than just those who were intelligent or skilled. To apply this to our lives, we should strive to not only be knowledgeable but to also show empathy and kindness to others. Building meaningful connections and being compassionate can often be more impactful than just sharing our expertise or intelligence. This approach can make someone feel truly appreciated and remembered fondly.