The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1884-06-14
Energy and Contentment.

There are curious problems in human
nature. Often contradictory qualities
appear in the same person. There are
individuals parsimonious along given
lines and liberal in others There are
others who can spread sunshine or
gloom, as one mood or the other con-
trolls. 1t has been questioned, how
ever, whether qualities thatreach down
into the character can be of contra
dictory nature. Yet there are such
instances. As a rule perfectly con-
tented spirit is allied to a negative, or
at least unenergetic character. Energy,
on the contrary, is usually regarded as
restless and pushing. Thus it is sup
posed to be discontinued, as to push
after more is to evidence discomfort
with what we have. Yet this does not
follow.
There are many instances where per-
sons are entirely cheerful, and in this
sense contented, who nevertheless en-
ergetically urge the plans of life. Nor
is this inconsistent. Present satisfac-
ton does not mitigate against the seek
ing after larger benefits in the future.
Nor does energy in itself imply discon-
tent. Healthful energy is simply force
put into the duties of life, and repre-
sents restless activity that finds
pleasure in work. An energetic man
IS usually possessed of ideas. He is
ready to grasp problem, or to COM
pass a result, and is restless to reach it.
All intervening toll is nothing COM
pared with the desire to reach the end.
And this result may only be the gratif-
cation of a sentiment, or the realization
Of an ideal The inventor rarely thinks
as much of the financial outcome of his
invention as of the achievements of a
result in mechanics. And thus energy
is consistent with contentment.
The contented man is philosopher
The flow of life to him is even and
smooth. He is not unduly elated with
success, or depressed by failure. Sun
shine or gloom do not materially effect
him. What are called troubles are
rarely realities. We once knew fret
ful Irishman who fumed and raved over
trileS A great misfortune occurred
and he was as calm as summer. When
asked the reason, he answered.: "This
is real, | fret over tritles." The pro-
fame man, who did not swear in the
presence of a great calamity because
he could not do justice to the occasion,
touched the same idea Thus there is
no reason why people should not he
contented. There is every reason VIZ
they should. This is the philosophy of
the most elaborate of the Savior's teach
ing. 'Why take thought for the NOR
row?" is His question, and He proceeds
to show that higher power controls it
and that we do wisely to be passive as
regards matters beyond our range of in
huence.
But this does not involve apathy. The
fatalism of the Turk carries this to the
extreme. These are events within our
control. We have daily duties which
call for thought, care and labor. These
involve matters within our power. All
such demand attention and care. Hence
while spirit of content possesses us
and we do not quarrel with what we
cannot prevent, we may at the same
time energetically prosecute life's du-
lies and labors. Such are the princi-
pies that enter into the problem of life.
Energy requires that we perform our
life tasks carefully, promptly and well.
Contentment involves philosophic calm
ness and ease when, having done our
duty, life goes well or ill. And the two
Observation-Disclosures Call.