The Measure of A Man

Contributed by Claverty Kid

I am a lifetime fan of Sidney Poitier but only read his Memoir, The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography (Oprah’s Book Club) a few months ago. I was struck by the extent to which his professional career mirrored his life, rarely if ever playing a role which compromised his beliefs. The book was a joy to read and reminded me of the many pleasurable hours I had spent watching his films.

At the start of the book he wrote about being called to write about the virtues of Integrity, Commitment, Faith and Forgiveness instilled in him by his father during his early life in the Bahamas. Later in the book he wrote, “My work is who I am and the work I did would never bring dishonour to my father’s name.” Poitier related a discussion with a friend who advised, “Never do an artistic favour for a friend. Loan friends money, be there for them in every other way but don’t do them any artistic favours because you’ve got to have one area of your life where there is no room for compromise,” another way of saying not compromise one’s principles.  If you have not read this book do so now; if you have then do so again, it will be worth it.