Prominent American doctor, bioethicist, and healthcare policy specialist Ezekiel Emanuel frequently considers his father's impact on both his professional and personal lives. He explains how his father's special traits have influenced him and his brothers in one enlightening passage.

Picture a lighthouse towering over the raging oceans, its beam piercing the night to safely direct innumerable ships home. Like that beacon, Ezekiel's father has made a lasting impression on everyone around him with his contagious energy, warmth, charm, and ability to fit in with people from all walks of life.

In contrast to many members of his generation who might have rigorously followed social conventions and formalities, Ezekiel's father adopted a more laid-back stance. He thought that real human connection was more powerful than strict social norms. Within the family, this mindset has been passed down through the generations, even to Ezekiel and his brothers. They discovered that genuine interaction with people comes from being authentic rather than following rigid guidelines.

Ezekiel's observations demonstrate the significant influence that interpersonal relationships can have on our beliefs and actions. Ezekiel's approach to both professional work and personal relationships has been greatly influenced by his father's example, which highlights the value of prioritizing real human interactions over formalities.