This excerpt from Harpo Speaks is a perfect example of a wonderful writing style that leads to a most enjoyable read. The entire book is written in a conversational fashion, as if we are one of Harpo’s nearest and dearest friends. This is how Harpo was in life, upon meeting people, he truly became their friend.
      In the passage, Harpo is talking about show business, and the lavish world that surrounded him, however, he says everything extremely non-chalantly. Harpo’s writing is filled with a wonderful sense of humor, and after reading this passage, it is obvious that Harpo was born funny. Even though he was pressured into being a performer, the funny man we all know and love was always inside him. He was never somebody who he didn’t want to be.
      This particular selection gives even more insight as to why Harpo was so loved. Harpo was a fantastic listener. He loved meeting people and spending time with others, but more importantly, he loved listening to them. In such a busy and hectic world, it is rare to find someone who truly likes to listen. If somebody is lucky enough to find someone like Harpo, they will probably try extremely hard not to lose him.
      All in all, I think Harpo Speaks shows us that despite having no real education, Harpo was as educated as he would ever need to be. Harpo knew people. He had a sort of “street smarts” that allowed him to achieve a lot in life. Especially in a place like Hollywood, in which knowing people is the best thing that one can possibly do. There wasn’t anything left for Harpo to learn. He was one of the most educated men in the world, for he knew exactly what it was that made himself happy. This is something many men search their whole lives for and still fail at doing.