In all of television history, there is no man who is as revered and celebrated for being genuinely kind as Fred Rogers, a.k.a. Mr. Rogers. For the 33 years the show aired, "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" was a beacon of goodwill, positivity, and old-fashioned family values. Even now, 13 years after his show ended and 11 years since his death, Mr. Rogers serves as a solid moral compass that we can always reach for.

And in these turbulent, divisive times, there seemed to be no more appropriate moment to reflect on his most important teachings. May we never forget them.

1. Accept others.

The entire idea behind Mr. Rogers' show was that his door was always open to anyone who wanted to come in. Indeed, even in a time of tumultous racial strife (the show debuted in the late '60s), he was a bastion of social progress, advocating the beauty of diversity. "Finding ways to harmonize our uniqueness with the uniqueness of others can be the most fun — and the most rewarding — of all," he said. He even famously breakdanced on his show because he was a man with an eternally open mind (and heart).

2. Recognize how wonderfully unique you are.

Mr. Rogers was very realistic about how flawed human nature is, and reminded us that while no one is perfect, it's our individual imperfections that make each one of us so special. "I like you just the way you are" was his constant, touching refrain.

3. But remember others are not as different as their appearances may suggest.

Mr. Rogers knew that despite our differences, we all basically have the same fears and desires at our core, and understanding that leaves so much room for empathy. "Frankly, there isn't anyone you couldn't learn to love once you've heard their story, he said. He reminded us all to embrace our individual power: "Never underestimate the impact that your mere existence can have on another human being," he said. "There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person."

4. Don't be afraid to express your emotions.

As a specialist in child emotional development, Mr. Rogers always emphasized the importance of understanding that every feeling — pain, shame, anger — was perfectly normal, and easier to handle if shared with a friend. "Whatever is mentionable can be more manageable," he always said.

"Whatever is mentionable can be more manageable."

"Whatever is mentionable can be more manageable."

5. Teach by example.

The reason Mr. Rogers always carefully hung up his coat at the beginning of each episode was to instill this good habit into children, and that was a motivating principle that permeated not only his show, but his entire lifestyle. One of his favorite quotes was the old Quaker saying, "Attitudes are caught, not taught."

"Attitudes are caught, not taught."

6. Making the world a better place is everyone's responsibility.

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother's words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers in this world."

7. It's not what you possess, but what you do with what you possess, that really matters.

So simple and yet so profound.

8. The best way to convince someone of something is to do it gently and articulately.

When he stood up to Congress and argued for PBS (whose funding was to be cut in half), he did this not by shouting or protesting, but by making a soft-spoken, eloquent speech. The judge responded by saying, "I'm supposed to be a pretty tough guy, but this is the first time I've had goosebumps in two days."

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9. Be kind.

Always and no matter what.

10. Remember others' feelings, even when they seem silly.

When a five-year-old blind girl wrote to Mr. Rogers saying she cried because she didn't know whether or not he fed his fish, he made a point of making sure she knew that he had in each episode.

11. Loving someone is the hardest, and best kind, of work.

Mr. Rogers understood that people are selfish by nature, and, as a result, real love didn't come easily. Rather, it was something that people have to remind themselves to do, like watering a garden, every day.

12. Take time to remember the people who helped you on your journey.

Mr. Rogers moved an entire room of celebrities to tears when he got up to receive his Life Achievement Award at the Emmys in 1997. Instead of going on about his accomplishments and listing off a bunch of rote thank-yous, he asked everyone to take 10 seconds with him "to think of the people who have helped you become who you are, those who cared about you and wanted what was best for you in life." "I'll count the time," he said gently, looking at his watch.

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