The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1838-02-07
From, The Mercantile Journal.
A DISCOURSE ON IMPUDENCE

Z" D'SC'ch'b Wv iui u DGINCE.
IMpuDENcs.-Modest merit was CHERISH
ed by the Pilgrim Fathers of New England.
But the days of the Puritans are passed N
way, and impudencc is now the only pass
port to the respect and confidence of the
community, 10 fortune or distinction. I'm
pudenee is Of various kinds the one we
mean, is an unbounded confidence in ones
own powers, united with u wish TO gain
their confidence and esteem, in order to
promote ones own interest. With this
powerful auxiliary, "a man w.Il tread tho
paths Of life without meeting Nth obstacles.
The goal which he strives to reach will be
unobstructed before him, aud with the help
of modicum of industry, it may be easily
attained. His moral character, if not de-
cidedly bad, will present no obstacle to his
progress, and as for his intellectual powers,
they will he bu, little regarded in these
days; II they are weak, mpudence will no.
lily supply their place. Without an nbun-
dan, stock Of this highly priced and neces-
sary ingfcdIent, man, whntever may he
his mental or moral qualifications, is des-
tined to pass his life in obscur,y---to be
little known, and less respected-to meet
with disppoinimenl if he looks forward to
thar distinction which was once wont TO at
tend a 0nion ofinIent ard worth. a.
II he is n mechanic, md destitute Of for
tune and friends, with II tolerable stock Of
impudence, he need not despair. This
quality will find him friends, and procure
him abundance of employment. If he is n
trader, or u merchant, and relies principal
Iy upon modest merit for success. he will
find many n lion in his path, his course
through life will be sll the way up hill, and
If success should Mt last crown his efforts
which, eau hardly he expected, it will he
in consequence If n degree of perseverance
and industry which is seldom exhibited
But If he is blessed with impudence, the
work is easy he finds this attribute the o.
pen sesame to credit and rcnown. With
the professional man, impudence IL not on
ly a powerful adjunct, but is absolutely
necessary to succcss.-No man can fea-
sonnbly expect 10 take high stand in his
profession, whatever may be his lenrning,
his judgment, or his virtues, il he is lacking
in inpudence ar, ms pbrenologist would
say, If there is N deficiency in self esteem,
aud ~ large developement of reverence. If
n man seeks an eligible situation, either of
profit or honor, 10 the gift Of an individual,
n corporation, or Of government, he is DOOM
ed To disappointment, unless impudence as
sist him, which he will often find more
valuable aid than the most jealous and
powerful friend. And If he seeks an Office
from the people, without a good share Of
impudence, hislot must be disappointment.
To strive to gain popular favor, without the
aid of impudcncc, is indeed kicking n
gninst the pticks.'
We find in tho present age that impu-
dence will command success in every en-
and examine the workshop, the counting
room, the study, the studio, the bar, the
fostrum, or officers of trust, honor or profit,
we shall nt once be convinced of the won
derfaI influence which impudence exercises
over fhe destinies of man. If we examine
our friends, our acqnainiances, our towns
men, We shall find that many who have
figured largely in the hnsy world, and have
been successful in achieving fortune or fame,
are under indefinitely greater obligations to-
ippudence, which will never leave its vota-
ries in the Iurcb, than to talent ar intrinsic
worth. man destitute of credentials, cast
among strangers, without a farthiug in his
pockets, if blessed with n respectable en-
dowment of impodence, will seldom be mt a
loss; while on the other hand, modesfy is
regarded under such circumstances as
prime tdeie evidence Of raseaiify.
Impudence, so far from being checked
aud restrained in early youth, should bc
encouraged, if we seek tn promote the
worldly welfare Of our children.-What
man, who IS well acquainted with the char
+ acier Of man at lhe present day, would wish
. his children educated in such false priuci-
, pies Ts send youth from his home or
his s,odies. with modest, gentle, unassum.
ing demesnor, to struggle on the grea
arena of life with his fellow men, is lib,
dooming a slender, unsrmed youth to com.
bs, With hoss Of slsdistors, armed will