Because you know what happens when you say 'hello' or 'good

Hear, O seekers of wisdom, the words of Philip Rosenthal, who with simplicity clothed a great truth: “Because you know what happens when you say ‘hello’ or ‘good morning?’ You make a connection. And isn’t that what being human is all about?” Though it seems but a light saying, it is in truth the whisper of eternity, a reminder that the smallest gestures often carry the greatest power. For in the utterance of a simple greeting lies the seed of friendship, the bridge between strangers, and the heartbeat of our shared humanity.

In every age, men have sought to build empires, to conquer lands, to write their names in the chronicles of time. Yet what is the foundation of all such greatness if not the ability to connect with others? The stone mason builds not alone but alongside his brother; the soldier fights not for himself but for his comrade; the poet writes not only for his own soul but for the souls of those yet unborn. And all such bonds begin with the first spark, the humble greeting, the “hello” that opens the door between two lives.

Consider the tale of Abraham Lincoln, who during the dark days of civil war was known for his warmth toward every man he met, high or low. He would greet soldiers, workers, and strangers with kindness, taking time to offer a word, a hand, or a smile. To some, this seemed trivial beside the weight of war and governance. Yet it was this spirit of connection that made him beloved. For while cannons thundered, his humanity reminded a torn nation that they were bound together still. Such is the power of a simple “good morning.”

Rosenthal’s words remind us that to connect is not merely courtesy but survival. Alone, a man may perish, but with others he thrives. From the dawn of tribes gathering around fire, to cities rising from the dust, to families and nations forged by bonds of trust—connection has been the essence of our species. To say “hello” is to affirm: I see you, I acknowledge you, I share this moment with you. It is a declaration that no soul is invisible.

Yet in our age of rushing and distraction, we forget this sacred truth. Many walk past one another with eyes downcast, voices silent, hearts closed. They seek greatness in wealth or acclaim, but ignore the greatness of the smallest bond. And so loneliness grows, even in crowded cities. Rosenthal, with his simple wisdom, calls us back to the root of being human: not riches, not power, but connection.

The lesson is clear: greet others, not as a formality, but as an act of recognition. Let every “hello” be a thread in the tapestry of community, every “good morning” a spark that may kindle friendship. Do not underestimate the power of such acts, for history is filled with great movements and revolutions that began with simple conversations, with two people daring to acknowledge each other’s presence.

Therefore, O children of tomorrow, let your life be rich in greetings. Speak them with sincerity, whether to friend or stranger. Practice this daily, and you will find doors opening, burdens lightened, and joys multiplied. For though empires rise and fall, and wealth fades to dust, the bond between hearts endures. Truly, to greet one another is to live as more than individuals—it is to live as human.

So let Rosenthal’s words echo through your days: the power of connection is hidden in the smallest of gestures. Take it up, wield it with kindness, and you will find that you have grasped the very essence of what it means to be alive.