Daily Republican., 1884-11-01
Knew ThyUolf.


Knew Thysel
In nearly all cases of unwonted exper
ence or sudden excitement, some unel
pectod trait Of character IL devel oped 1
people whose intimates have fattere
themselves that they know them thor
oughly.
Some trait that lay dormant and IN
dreamed of even by the possessor unit
an untoward accident or circumstanc
brought it to the surface.
There Is vast difference between ego
ttsm and self-knowledge, though the tw,
are often COMPOUNDED by the unthinking
and quite often purposely coufounded By
the envious.
One is so essential a study that its Dur
suit has been converted into proverbia
command, while the other is universall,
admitted to be one Of the greatest evil.
and nuisances with which modern society
Is afflicted.
But are we any the worse for these selc
worshippers DO they not exhibit dis
ttnct phase of human nature, different
from all others, and have they not niche
all to themselves In the museum of curl.
osities which is ~ great treasure to the
student Of the species as musty library
~ seAS eA~h0OAo6 COliCCtAOu OI
crystalized specimens to the geologist
True, We are perpetually bored BY their
continual self-exaltation, selEdifference
and entire self devotion but good and
evil seem to be universally coun tsrbsl-
anced knowledge worth retainiugie sell
dom gained without IAN equivalent being
given In some way.
Nature herself sets the example of de-
mandtng tribute, and science Is not slow
to follow in her footsteps. n =
Thorough self.knowledge is q liberal
education" without It the most liberal
education can be thrown away.
Well equipped though he may be for
his journey through life, what svaileth IL
man II he knowns not his own
strength
What art can teach him courage If the
seed be not implanted in his own breast
what cordial can foster endurance IL
the germ-the vital spark-itself be lack
Ing,
aneume, are frequently made thro ugh a
alton.
Tho great majority are seldom aware OF
their own capabilities sons either follow
In their fathers footsteps, or choose their
calling IN Difference TO the parents wishes,
or take what happens to turn up at the
moment Of their launching out and 80
runs the world away"
1t IL only the select few who have force
OF character enough to voluntarily
leave the ranks and strike out for them
selves.
1t u the minority who, conscious of their
own power, use 1t fesrlessly, and from
mediocrity IL one line, develop brilliant
genius In another.
To know themselves, people should
have scope to see what is In themselves !;
many, with talents Of high order, allow
them unconsciously to die out from dis
use and lack of cultivation, simply be-
cause they are ignorant Of their own pos
abilities.
Talent in this differs from genius it
needs tender care and fostering.
Genius can force Its way through ordi-
nary insurmounta table obstacles, through
weeds Of prejudice, through the "veri-
table slough OF despond," to quote Bun
yan's's metaphor, with the aid of nothing
merely by virtue of It's own power and
strength.
But how many have genius 1t is not q
common gift.
Those to whom 1t is given know what
Is theirs, instinctively are made to know
It; their birthrght is nothing If not self
-assertive.
1t 10 those whose gifts and graces run
In the commoner grooves who should be
self-communicative, and work their way
TO the attainment OF that greatest of al
boOns under genius itself-self- reliance.
Many q man with barely ordinary tai
ents has worked his way to the front rsnh
on the strength of this alone. Many mar
at Ia 81 sr,It 80.
gers, If nothing worse, has held his owr
and worked his way upward through con
fidence in himself, In his own power, II
his own ability.
Many q boy has fought his way to glo
rious, Independent manhoOd-the mobiles
manhood OF them all-through self-re
lance, self -confidence, self-will-the viii
to know what is right and fearlessl!
do 1t.
People are extremely selfish as regard
their pleasures, their surroundings, thei
creature comforts. what they call thei
rights.
They are always on the lookout forsom
invasion of these r.ghts."
There are always on guard against som
encroachment on the part of their neigh
bors likewise.
Consequently, there is neither time nc
inclination to study the inner life, an
find out what seed may be there.
Everything is for outward show an
outward well-beiDg few realize ho'
much is lost thereby.
Perchance they would not care even
they knew.
In these later daye, as OF yore in Nose
time, the olden calf has become the i'd
OF the populace.
Gold and silver is uppermestin the mine
OF men, wealth and opposition their goal
the sum total of all existence.
Yet
g There are more things In heaven an
earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt Of in your philos
ply"