This will sound odd to many, but I admired Trump. (Note “admired” in the past tense.) I admired his potential, his boldness, his drive, and his determination. At times, I still do. Some will say yes to that, and some will say no. He does not go unnoticed.

Some of you may dislike me for saying this, but bear with me — there is a moral to this in the end.

In his book The Art of the Deal (1987), he writes, “I am not a looking-back kind of guy; I look forward.” There is tremendous power in that. Move ahead, seize the day, celebrate the moment, don’t get stuck — be your own master. Easily said, not so easily done.

In business, he achieved success, but as a politician, he is dangerous — even disastrous. That is interesting. Business and the common welfare may not be such a good match after all. We celebrate financial prosperity, especially when the money flows our way. But with Donald Trump on the scene, we are called to reconsider.

Donald Trump lacks compassion, and that is the lesson here. And it seems that many of the world’s great leaders lack compassion as well. Their focus is out of tune. We can do better.

When I read his book, before he was elected the first time, I thought to myself: I don’t agree with his values; he is not my kind of person. But he is not afraid of criticism, and he gets things done. And I also thought — imagine having those abilities in the service of the good, working tirelessly for the good. That would be something.

Today, I know there are such people — and they are the ones I admire now.

I try to be one myself. It is not so easily done, but it must be the objective. We can all do better; it is within our choice.