The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1884-04-03
SeIf-Reliance.

The habit of depending on others is
an evidence of weakness. With many
it es natural. From early childhood
there are those who appear to need q
stronger person to lean on. Like vines
that must cling to trees for support
some persons are ever feeling after
stronger influence to bear them up.
Whether this can be overcome where it
is inherent is a question. 1t has been
argued that it cannot. And yet there
are eases where under stress of circum-
stances natures that before were weak
and yielding have become strong and
vigorous. 1t has often been remarked
that women ON shipboard have shown
in time of distress fortitude and cour-
age greater than that of strong men.
1t thus seems clear that this quality
may be summoned when occasion de-
mands it. Can it be cultivated for the
ordinary uses of life?
Self-reliance is dependence on self in
emergencies and amid all the duties
and struggles of life Some idea of
what we are-the habit of self-depend-
ence-is preparation for this. And
in order to do this we believe the more
responsibility children are made to as
sumo at home, the better for them.
For example, round of duties may be
assigned, for the regular and correct
performance of which they are held re-
sponsible. This supposes that they be
not reminded of those duties from day
to day, but expected to think of and at
tend to them. 1t may be the care of the
room, the setting apart of certain hours
for study, the looking after certain
| chores. No matter what, responsible
ity is attached, and the child then left.
If careless, it is evident that it is weak
in very important particular. And
education, along this line, may be reg
ular and constant. 1t is, however, only
the beginning.
In more advanced stage this ele-
ment assumes the exercise of judg-
ment. For child to merely perform
routine service does not bring into play
| faculties which tend to self-rcliance.
AS rule self-reliant persons are thosa
who have decided OPP nionS, and conf
| dence in them. They thus act. And
! Judgment must be exercised in order to
strengthen and grow. As rule, the
best way to promote this Is to compel
| its exercise, and the n AID by encourage
ing criticism. Fault-tinding criticism
is not rs q rule good. 1t tends to en-
barrass and discourage. But by point
ing out errors with judicious praise
where deserved, and encouraging assu-
RANGES, this quality may be strengthen
ed We remember a boy who for years
could not be taught to observe. Gen.
sure, abuse, ridicule and scorn only
confused and discouraged. One day a
gentleman pointed out particulars OF
certain objects in pleasant. kindly
way. The dormant faculties were
aroused in the boy, and his power OF
observation rapidly grew. So with
judgment. 1t is q faculty that can be
cultivated and encouraged.
But all mental and even moral quail
tiles need to be encouraged, not driv.
en-. These can be best promoted in
this way. A lout may be driven to
manual labor, but the intelligent must
be encouraged. So with moral quail.
ties. And self-reliance is moral quail.
ity, based on certain appreciation OF
our intellectual faculties. This quality
may be so promoted that the possessor
shall be intieXibly tenacious in any pur.
suit in life. And it is this self-reliant
tenacity that reaches ultimate success.
In many cases the difference in success
or failure is that of sclf-reliance and
tenacity in the promoter of an enter.
prise. And where possessed, it will
override difficulties that appear insur
mountable to the weak. 1t is quality
that may we'll be cultivated. --Rhiladel
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