The Ultimate Test of Your Social Skills

Montaigne said he found nothing more notable in the life of Socrates than that he was very gifted at playing with children. In his later years, Socrates spent many hours playing games and giving children piggybacks for 'all actions, says philosophy, equally become and equally honour a wise man.' He did not deliver lectures to them.

Henri IV, the King of France, was very sweet around children. He once kept the Spanish Ambassador waiting while pretending to b a horse for his children to ride on. He did not sit on a throne discussing how to rule a kingdom.

Both King Henri VI and Socrates knew how to engage with children.

• They put aside their well-known virtues and prestige to make themselves vulnerable - the same way one should be when a friendship is at stake.
• They knew how to find common ground. They imaginatively searched for what unites people and could find within their characters the joys and excitements of someone who has not been on earth very long.
• They feel their way into the needs and points of view of strangers.
• Even if they are confident, they know how to be in touch with the more timid version of themselves.