Former George W. Bush speechwriter Michael Gerson died last week. I didn’t know a great deal about him beyond the broad strokes, but as tributes poured in from both the left and the right (and continue pouring in five days later), it quickly became clear what a singular figure he was.

I went back and forth on which tribute to post, ultimately landing on this from Washington Post columnist Karen Tumulty. She paints the picture of a man who was both principled and generous, a painfully rare combination in politics today. It’s difficult to read the piece without wondering what Washington could be with more of his like. It’s also difficult to read it without being inspired by his example, no matter your politics.