The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1890-03-06
Cultivate Your Temper.

There is nothing in the make up of man
this includes cOnvicts-that will make
friends or enemies or get him into trouble
quite so easily as his temper. The temper
is something that should be cultivated daily.
The question is how should person manage
this self training? There are a thousand
different ways to get at this, and shall en-
deavOr to mention a few. If man is in
the habit of arising out of sorts. now and
then, he may rest assured that some time he
will leave his resting place so much dssatis-
fled with himself and those around him,
that he will make some mistake that will
either cause him trouble and sorrow, or he
will at least have occasion to look back upon
his rash conduct with disgust aud will for
the time being brand himself as a fool for
letting his temper get the best of him.
With person who is so troubled. | would
suggest as a sure cure the simple matter Of
making plain sign with these three words
thereon. "CuItvate Your Temper" and
then hang it where you can see it the first
thing in the morning. No matter how ugly
you may be when you arise the next morn
ing. when you read that gn it will put you
y
rash act in the past. it will suggest to you
that it pays to think before you act. and to
at all times avoid becoming angry. When
you are at work and things are moving
along smoothly try and get IN the habit of
calling to mind those words. Canvas them
in your mind all the time and then when
something goes wrong you will be most apt
to be confronted with them. and in most
cases 1t will have the right effect. If you
are quick tempered man. never carry re-
vover or large knife. even though you
may deem it necessary in order to act in
self defense. Bear in mind that it is better
to receive wound than to suffer the pen
atty for inf1icting one. If you discover that
you cannot converse without becoming ex-
cited. make an effort to avoid entering into
an argument. If you find that your fellow
workman tries to aggravate you try and
change your station. and if this is not con-
veuent bride your tongue and say nothing.
DO not put yourself to any unnecessary tests
until you have. to certain extent. con-
quered the habit. Although natural with
many persons the losing of control of the
temper is more often a habit of careless
ness. No man has SO fiery temper as to
render it beyond his control if lie tries to
cultivate it. and keep the above mentioned
words before him all the time.
Study yourself until you know your fall
ingS and then exert your Wll.pOwer and
better nature in the way of mastering them.
1t can be done. and is surprisingly easy if
the right course is pursued. 1t matter
that works both ways. If you allow your
self to get mad and curse everyone and
everything that does not suit you. you will
soon fine yourself in a condition of hatred,
even toward yourself. and you will curse
your own body and soul when you make
an error. If you see man who cannot
control his temper. tell him of his greatest
fault and ask him to make an effort to avoid
getting angry. but do not refer to it while he
is angry. In time of peace prepare for
WAL" but if you can avoid the war so much
the better. If you wish to succeed per-
fectly i'm your efforts to control your temper.
guard your words and when your tongue
does not err. you will master the faults of
the whole body. UNCLE JAKE.