Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1851-11-27
EThe following sensible and appro.

q"'yeF, though intended for city readers,
are well worth the attention Of people in
villages and country
"Living like other People"
AN ERROR OF FALSE PRIDE.
"IIere beggar Pride defrauds her daily cheer
To boast splendid banquet once a year.
One of the most prevalent foibles of
the present time, is disposition to imi-
tate and rival our neighbors, even with
means far more limited than theirs. 1t
is an error of false pride. We fancy
that the world can be deceived by out
ward show that we can make it appear
that we are afluent and independent, no
matter what the facts may be. This is
a sad weakness, and it is often attended
with serious consequences. The idea of
livingl like other people, withoutthe means
possessed by other people, is indeed ab-
surd and suicidal. 1t is only calculated
to involve US in difficulties, and to take
from US the very independence that we as
sumo and aspire to enjoy. The progress
Of luxury and extravaganza is indeed ex-
traordinary. Magnificent mansions and
costly furniture are now the order of the
day. The spirit of imitation and of ri
valry is every where apparent. In social
life it is an every day occurrence, to hear
individuals indulge in gross exaggera-
tions, when describing their own affairs
No matter what may be the condition of
another, a disposition to rival and excel
is too apt to prevail, and thus in many
cases, the most absurd pretensions are in
dulged-nay the grossest falsehoods are
uttered. True, these fabrications are
in measure harmless, because they are
so transparent as to deceive no one. And
yet the habit is vile, and calculated at
once to destroy confidence and impair
respect Moreover, an individual who is
known to falsify on one subject, is very
apt to be distrusted on every other
Still the desire to excel, to appear in the
enjoyment of fashionable position, is so
powerful, that all other considerations
are lost sight of.
The manner OF living at the present
time, is, in too many eases, characterized
! by the widest extravaganza. This is
displayed in variety of forms-in dress,
in furniture, in gay parties, in opera dis
plays, and in all kindred exhibitions. It
is well observed by a cotemporary, "that
persons in moderate circumstances, are
carried away far beyond their means, by
an insane spirit Of imitation. They vain
ly expect to be esteemed in proportion to
the ostentatious display they may be a
bic to make and are not aware that true
gentility is marked more by simplicity of
manners and dress, and by dignity of de-
pertinent, than in the fash and glitter in
which many modern fine people seek to
acquire notoriety. The creditors of
such people are too often found to be the
real parties who contribute to the ex-
pense of the show. The effect upon So
ciety is extremely pernicious, hurrying
manyinto pecuniary embarrassments with
the loss of character, reason or life, often
disqualifying women for the discharge of
the paramount duties Of domestic life, and
retarding and defeating the establishment
of young men at the head of families. y
Is not all this true? Is it not particular
ly applicable to large cities like Philadel-
phia! Are there not many persons in
our midst, who are living beyond their
means, simply with the object of living
like other people? Are there not many
wasting their substance, in the empty and
idle pursuit of fashion, or in an effort to
obtain position, not Of high respectable
ity and elevated character, but of idle
Importance, in the gay, the giddy, the
fashionable world?
1t is well enough perhaps, for the rich,
for such as have large incomes, to indulge
in all the elegancieS and luxuries, SO
characteristic of affiuence, refinement and
splendor. But for the individual who
has fortune to make, who is engaged
in an uncertain and hazardous business,
and whose future, therefore, is by no
means clear and unclouded, to initiate all
this extravaganza, and to tread in the foot
steps of some millionaire, is folly at once
egregious and deplorable. Vanity so
empty and idle, pride SO false and unsub-
stantial, are almost invariably the hand
maids to ruin. Nevertheless, there are
hundreds at this moment engaged in this
phantom pursuit They are taxing their
energies to make dashing appearance
before the world, and at the same time
are neglecting the real sources of ease
and independence-economy and pru-
dence in the management of their affairs.
The true policy is, if possible, to live
within ones means. Unnecessary luxu-
ries should only be INDUCED, when We
have " enough to spare" The mechan-
&c, the trader, or the shopkeeper, who is
getting along smoothly, quietly and sue
cessfully, who is able to provide his fam
. J IL, Al, Al, of cootal