If you have some respect for people as they are, you can be more effective in helping them to become better than they are. ~ John W. Gardner

If I think I’m better than you
no matter how kindly,
despite gracious words,
you’ll feel my rebuke.
When I know I’ve failed
time and again to fix myself,
when I disdain myself, my willpower,
my control, then I accept you
as my equal, as my friend
no matter how new the tie —
for if I’m incapable
without a Power that can,
I cannot look down on you.