The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1868-10-14
Tact-What is it,

What is tact? What is this peculiar
qualifications which one possesses aud another
does not !? which enables one to avoid disa-
greeable issues that others apparently quite
as keen sighted, quite as well informed, quite
as experienced are unable to shun (?
All concede it to be an element of success.
We often Hear it said in commentator of
some eminent man, that che is man of
great TACT" that she has the tact to manage
men," that he has "a superior tact for bust
ness, and so forth. IF necessary to success
in life, how can it be obtained !? Before the
latter Question can be answered intilligently.
re must know what it is we seek.
The primary meaning of the word tact is
touch-feeling. The fguratve meaning
which has been attached to the word is diff
cllt to accurately define. 1t has been defined
as perception, peculiar skill, or faculty, dis
cerhment; but neither Of these definitions is
complete or satisfactory. Thus, when VIC say
che had sufficient tact to withdraw" we do
not mem hs'had skill, or discernment, or per-
ception, sufficient to prompt him to with
draw; there is some thing more subtle in-
volyed than these definitions express. There
is nothing SO good as the primary meaning
Of the word, touch-feeling. Conceive the
mind to be able to touch, to feel other minds,
and you have got it exactly. The mind has
many subtle modes of expression. An ele-
waited eyebrow, puzzled look, meditation
in the Voice, an impatient gesture, or a quiv-
er Of the lip, reveal hidden feelings, often
times against the will Tact enables its pos
SCISSOR to Immediately recognize these iudica-
items, and to shape his conduct accordingly
In its highest perfection it is rare quail
ty. There are men who have sufficient force
Of character to thrust themselves into promi-
nence' without it, but they are few, and gen
orally more feared than loved. If placed in
situations of command, discomfort and de-
moralizatiOn are almost certain to arise among
those -who submit to their rule, marked, as il
is sure to be, by total disregard of the finer
feelings of their subordinates.
The want Of tact is the chief character
istic OF the numerous family of bores the
men who cali upon you to chat when your
business is most pressing; who come into
your shop and misplace your tools, who in
terrupty you when you are holding a confidential
conversation; look over your shoulder when
you chance to be writing; enter your private
apartments without knocking; are always
just where they are not wanted, and doing
that which is disagreeable. These people are
not, generally. Intentionally offensive They
mostly mean well enough, but they are men
tai pachy dermata, who can feel nothing but
blows. A hint is thrown away upon them
and the only alternative, in dealing with
them, is the kick.
Tact is born of sensibility-it is sensible
ty. To some it seems a natural gift, but il
can be cultivated by all. The habit Of oh
serving carefully the countenances, the man
ners, and the language of men, the study O.
character, and general acquaintance witt
human nature, will soon impart knowledge
of the secret springs of emotion, which, i
touched at all, must be touched with wist
and delicate skill
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