The Arizona sentinel., 1880-02-21
ARIZONA SENTINEL:
Idle Curiosity.

It is astOnlSnlnT Ho" HuCu h'VoiNot some people betray in the affairs of their neighbors and acquaintances. Mere strangers often come in for share of this idle curiosity, which tempts one into pry- ing out secrets that in no way concerns them, and the knowledge of which cannot be of the least possible use or value.
 All the little bits of gossip they can glean about others they treasure up and repeat, with ever increasing pleasure, un- til the foolish failing becomes at length fixed habit, which they are powerless to change, or break, and causes serious trouble and discomfort both to them selves and others.
 It seems almost incredible that so large number have this weakness, and you will find it among persons who are other wise extremely sensible and intelligent. They foster these idle impulses until any thing that seems like a secret is a source of perpetual torment, until its seeming mystery is fathomed and made plain to their vision.
 Idle curiosity and gossip are near friends, and one of these faults usually keeps close to the other. Charlotte Cush- man, the celebrated actress, hearing person speak disparaingly of an acquaint- ance in her presence, instantly reproved her. saying: Correct the mistake imme dlatelY, and r,.nember hereafter to speak no ill of others. if you do not wish others to speak ill of you, for there was never yet life so lure but there was some one eager to impute to it stain. True virtue IS not afraid to touch the skirts of Mag dalen, and true worth is not obliged to hal loo from housctops to make itself heard" This at first idle questioning concerning others comings and goings, doings and moves, should be wisely and kindly checked by some loving friend, before It k grows to be a constant torment to its possessor --one cannot guard himself too strenuously against it. Little trivial things assume wonderful importance, and the verest trife seems essential to your happiness; why and wherefore becomes so necessary to ascertain, that peace of mind is impossible without the knowledge.
 If seeming mystery cannot be made clear by fair means, stopping to foul be. comes after awhile permissible, and even approved by the conscience. In formation must be gained at all hazards if frequent questionings and ill bret prying will not answer. The victims O this disorder, which so easily becomes a chronic malady, grow to be unscrupu lous and dishonorable, their once d.licat, perceptions of right and wrong dimmeC and almost effaced.
 To try 70 understand everybody motives ard springs of action is long ing that seems foolish enough, and hov it can constitute one chief pleasure ant enjoyment in lite is altogether incompre heusible.
 If this inordinate curiosity were alway the companion of a weak mind, the fac might not seem so strange; but persons who in all other traits are especial, agreeable and interesting, are oftel prone to this grievous failing whicl throws shadow over all their otheir vi tues, and at times renders them hardl, discernible to those who love them best These are subjects for the mind to dwel upon, that will bring far more happines and greater riches of thought than tn foolish, idle wondering about other peo ple's affairs in winch you cannot have tn slightest interest, and which only bring in its train long list of evil results.