The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1888-10-07

Aoant, DcduLllu duQ lmpOlIduGs Anu,
on the other hand, there is no one SO
beautiful and important in the eyes Of
many that, in the vision of some one,
he will not come out ugly and insignifi-
cant. And John must deny the truth
of each to the original. He must sor-
rowfully relinquish one and grady
repudiate the other. He is neither SO
black nor so white as he is painted.
On the whole, it is an open question
whether Johns visit to this gallery will
benefit him.
An approximation to this experience
is not only possible to have, but it is
impossible to avoid. We cannot only
see ourselves as others see US, but we
cannot escape the sight; and II is
sight which, far from being desired, is
one much to be deprecated
Views of ourselves are not as Impor-
tant to our growth in any sort of grace
as it has been the good old fashion to
consider them. l am almost suee th,
the most objective life is the life which
makes the best character. Buff views
OF ourselves are ever useful, it is de-
sirable that these views shall be rs near
the true views as can be obtained. and
these are never, when we need them
most, the views taken of US by others.
Even those who love US best and, there-
fore, know US best. do not see us as we
see ourselves. think it far more
legitimate wish on our part that others
should see US as we see ourselves, rather
than that We should see ourselves as
others see us. There are, indeed; dark
hours of defeat in our lives when the
tiattering appreciation of another can
lift us suddenly to fresh and valiant
pnHQQunr and fharo fipac nf fntnl.
cradle self conceit when the singing
depreciation of another will give our
imitation that saving slash which moth
ing else could inf1ict.
To sum up, then: 1t seems to be true
that the seeing of ourselves as others
see US is no more desirable thing than
Is the being seen by others as we see
ourselves; nor a more possible thing.
In the long run, near its end, the two
views coincide; more and more, as ex-
perlence deepens and Widens, does
Johns John counterpart my John, and
both approximate to Gods John. Less
and less can Or. Jekyll and Mr.. Hyde
individualize.
More and more do we lose power to
conceal, Or to choose what we will re-
veal. The thing we are is seem less
and less can we pose for effect. One
after another our wells fall away, and
the naked countenance is seen.
Others see US, and we see ourselves,
and each sees the same person. The
point is reached in the game when hide
and-seek changes to seek-and-hnd.
Perhaps it is precisely at this point
that the fun stops. 1t is noticeable
that the wish is always devoutlv made
in behalf OF another person. No one
wishes to see himself as others see him.
but he has some good, unsel6sh friend
who wishes he might.
In this connection, it is also worthy
OF notice that if this DISTINGUISHED wish
on the part Of Johns good, unselhsh
friend could be realized, John would
stand face to face with very ugly per-
son.
1t is curious fact that when we most
ardently breathe this wish in behalf of
person we desire 10 benefit by view
of himself, we ourselves view him in
most unfattering light. and it is our
view which we desire him to confront.
Nobody wishes to see himself as others
see him, nor does any one wish that
others would see him exactly as he sees
himself. Not quite yet. By and by,
when he more admires himself, is more
what he intends to be, g person who
shall be wholly admirable. All this
while the sands are slipping down the
glass, and the time of mutual recog-
milton is approaching.
Time is just. Each man must con-
front Times mirror.
The reflection will be exact. and to be
identified by himself and Others
alike. Herein is comfort for some and
terror for others; but 1t may be which
we will.
ROSE ELIZABETH CLEVELAND.