Member-only story
The Bumper Sticker That Could’ve Saved the World
The astonishing power of a bumper sticker.
Just as I was starting to doubt whether bumper stickers could impact world affairs, I saw it — sitting on a low shelf at an auto parts store. A modest rectangular sticker with blue text over a light gray background. Its message spoke of war, of peace, of a love for all things, and even mentioned the dangers of tailgating.
The font was utter perfection — a typeface unlike any I’d ever seen before or since. Because of its profound impact on anyone who read it, it’s a font I’ve come to call “Times New Human.”
As soon as I finished reading the message, a wave of tranquility washed over me, igniting a deep love for every living being on this planet.
A weary trucker stood nearby, his face etched with countless miles of hard road. Without hesitation, I embraced him. The trucker wheeled back, ready to strike. Luckily, I had the bumper sticker facing out; its text on full display. He eyed the message, blinked twice, then burst into tears. A group gathered around. I’m not sure how long we embraced, but there wasn’t a dry eye in the muffler aisle.
The shop had one register open and a dozen people in line. I waited gladly, telling the woman in front of me I loved her. She burst out of line and bolted…
