Levity. Brevity. Clarity. Charity.

Four words describing what every speech should contain so that it would speak to our individual and collective ethos, logos, and pathos.

These were among the many lessons that David Gergen, a commentator, editor, teacher, public servant, best-selling author, adviser to presidents and—above all—a patriot, liked teaching. They also characterize some of the many virtues David possessed.

The world lost David to Lewy body dementia July 10 at the age of 83. I hope he would pardon me as I forgo brevity in recalling my relationship with him.