This content originally appeared on Go Make Things and was authored by Go Make Things
I’ve been watching a lot of Mr. Rogers over the last couple of years.
On Amazon (I know), you can access the entire 22 seasons for just $5/month and support PBS Kids at a time when they need it more than ever.
I can’t really put into words the excitement of watching Mr. Rogers give a tour of how a grocery store works, or how Crayola makes crayons (or did in the 80’s before automation), and instantly remember watching those episodes when they first aired, tucked under a blanket on the rug in my parents’ living room.
But one thing I didn’t remember quite as well, something that really stands out as an adult, is just how earnest Mr. Rogers is with everyone he meets and interacts with.
He’s not trying to be cool. He doesn’t care if he looks silly or isn’t good at something right away. He doesn’t care how mundane something is. He’s not jaded.
He views the world with child-like innocence. And I don’t think it was an act.
Check out this clip of him being interview by Charlie Rose, intercut with some moments from his show.
One of my favorite parts from that video is when Mr. Rogers says…
We get so wrapped up in numbers in our society. The most important thing is that we’re able to be one-to-one, you and I, with each other, at the moment. If we can be present to the moment with the person that we happen to be with at the moment… that’s what’s important.
And also…
I see that people who are not the fancy people in this world are the ones who seem to nourish my soul. And I want to learn how to be the best receiver than I can ever be. Because I think graceful receiving is one of the most wonderful gifts we can give anybody. If we receive what someone gives us in a graceful way, we’ve given that person a wonderful gift.
I grew up in New England, where sarcasm is the language of choice for people you like (and more so for people you don’t).
As someone with ADHD (and probably autism), I’ve often used humor and sarcasm to mask, to hide my feelings and avoid being earnest as I got older.
And it’s interesting to think about how much that’s limited my ability to develop deeper connections with people and spread joy the way I’d like to as an adult.
I’ll leave you with one last Mr. Rogers quote. This is him paraphrasing a professor of his, Dr. William Orr…
He used to say, “You know Fred, there’s one thing evil cannot stand, and that is forgiveness.”
And you’ll notice the rest of the page is blank? It needs a lot of time to think about that.
If ever there was a quote for the moment we find ourselves in.
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This content originally appeared on Go Make Things and was authored by Go Make Things
Go Make Things | Sciencx (2025-08-21T14:30:00+00:00) On being earnest. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2025/08/21/on-being-earnest/
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