Outside a trendy city cafĂ© sat a man in a worn-out jacket. At first glance, he looked like an ordinary homeless drifterâtired, quiet, invisible. Most customers walked past him with annoyance. Some frowned, others pretended he didnât exist. A young man in an expensive suit even sneered:
âGet a job. Donât just sit here.â
The man simply nodded and lowered his eyes.
No one knew that this was Nicholas Arsen, the founder and CEO of a major company whose headquarters stood right across the street. He wasnât there by accidentâhe wanted to see how people treated someone from whom they expected nothing.
Minutes later, a waitress rushed out of the cafĂ© carrying a heavy tray. She slipped, spilling hot coffee onto her hands. While the customers nearby stepped away to avoid getting splashed, the âpoor manâ immediately stood up, helped her to her feet, and handed her napkins.
âThank youâŠâ she whispered, embarrassed. âNo one else even came overâŠâ
âIt happens,â he said with a gentle smile.
After she went back inside, the man stood up and walked across the street. The security guards stared in shock when he removed his shabby jacket and changed into the tailored suit he had left earlier. Their surprise grew when top managers approached him.
âMr. Arsen, the meeting is ready.â
Moments later he returned to the cafĂ©âbut now as a confident, well-groomed CEO, surrounded by assistants. The same young man in the expensive suit nearly choked on his drink.
Nicholas approached the waitress and said,
âI saw the way you treated people. Thank you for showing kindness. Weâre looking for employees like you. Iâd like to offer you an interview.â
Then he turned to the customers who had stared at him with disdain just minutes before:
âRemember: respect should never depend on how someone looks. Today he seems poor⊠tomorrow he might be your employer.â
He left the café in silence, while dozens of people watched him, suddenly thoughtful. True dignity lies in actions, not appearance.
