The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1892-04-27
AN INTERESTING STUDY.
The Character ard PeouIiarities of People
Observed.


The Character ard PeouIiarities of People
Observed.
EDITOR AND H. L. G. FRIENDs-The char
acter and peculiarities of people are ever
an interesting study. The diversity of
ideas, the con trariety of customs which
are blended into a homogeneous whole
are an object of curiosity and wonder.
In whatever direction we look some
strange absurdity presents itself to view.
We see persons whom we are bound to
respect for their intelligence and educa-
ton, holding iast to some old superstition
in some way living an inconsistent life.
We see persons pointed out as models OF
virtue and examples worthy OF imitation.
who if their life's history were generally
known would be subjects for contempt, If
not social ostracism. We see others who
to the outside world are pleasant and gay
suffering from some hidden sorrow, and
above all class who through false pride
live in q manner unsuited to the condi-
tons which surround them. To satisfy
himself that many who are regarded as
models OF human perfection are far from
it, person has but to recall incidents of
bvgone DAYS or review the history OF those
whom it has been his privilege to
know. After doing this he will
have no difficulty in pointing out
persons that are welcome members OF
society. whose early life was a disgrace, or
who have attained their present position
by means to which a conscientious person
would never resort. The passports by
which such people enter good society are
usually the possession of money and the
profession of piety. Unfortunately. per-
haps. people as a rule are quick to forgive
and forget the past life of persons that
profess piety or possess money now, and
with whom they would not associate in
former years. Every effort at reform
should be encouraged, but we should
guard against deception and protect the
young from such persons until we become
satisfied that their claim of reform has
better foundation than profession or
wealth. The undoubted preference given
to the rich stimulates the desire OF many
to gain wealth without regard To the
means employed. and this can only be
overcome by return TO the simpler Gus
toms OF our foreiathers. OF all the causes
OF discomfort and unhappiness, false pride
is perhaps the greatest. Its manifesto
tons are as numerous as the differences
in people 1t is the result of van
ity-trying to be something that
We are not We see il in many homes
where persons through a false idea OF
their Importance cause unnecessary
friction, and there are persons who, for
the same reason, will refuse to be con-
WINGED by argument. when il must be ap-
parent TO them that they are in the
wrong. The form in which false pride is
the most noticeable is the attempt of
many to surpass their neighbors in the
matter OF appearance. And how often
these attempts are carried so lar as to re-
duce well-to-Co families to poverty and
ruin once happy homes. 1t seems to me
/ that such results must be caused by an
imperfect idea of their duty to themselves
and their families. True worth or great
ness can never be attained by presenting
a false face to the outside world. If our
income IS limited our expenses should be
Also II we are unable to occupy the po-
sition we think we are entitled to we
should constantly strive to rise to it, but
should always remember that the person
who keeps within his means has less of
care and is TO be more respected than he
who tries to keep up a false appearance.
All work that is necessary for our well
| fare is honest work, and the person that
succeeds in life learns it sooner or later.
| The idea that we were born above neces-
/ sary work is very foolish one. We must
take conditions as we find them and con-
/ form to them as best we can. ii we are
/ able 10 crafty our wishes in regard to
what we will do, il is very well, but un-
/ fortunately the most of US are not. In all
attempts to appear above our real position
we will of necessity fail, and excite the
pity or ridicule of our fellow men. Yet
/ there are persons who will not do certain
| kinds OF necessary work, and to avoid IL
/ will work at other things which require
more physical labor than they are able to
give and which do not require as high an
| order OF ability. Do il because they think
it makes them appear superior to the or
binary mortal. These persons have so
poor an idea of what is necessary
to be learned in order TO make n creditable
showing as they pass through life as to
neglect education and the study of their
occupation. As consequence they can
never rise above the common level, for in
this day and age of the world the person
who succeeds must possess 4 thorough
knowledge Of his calling and make the
best possible use of his opportunities.
The person that is on top is the one who
has energy and perseverance. and it ID
such persons that control our destinies
uphold our civilization, and push forward
in the path OF progress.
AS new member, solicitor" have
been slow TO make suggestions in regard
to club matters, and have taken no part
in the badge discussion. IL seems to me
that the price of the badge which i first
noticed in your last letter is more than
many memb ers will feel able to pay. Yet
you and the executive committee know
better than l. You have my sympathy
in your work.
enjoyed your last letter, ida s." II il
variety that pleases, and the person who
writes on the subject that suits him best
is most likely to give US something orig
inal.
MARY OF Champaign" your suggestion
about chasing the writer's of l fear would
not be satisfactory. Newspaper readers
seem TO prefer a variety, comic letters a.
well as weiRhty essays in each paper We
ought 10 have some system about ouI
letters, but IL would be difficult 10 bring
about on account OF 80 many members moi
being able TO command leisure time wher
they need IL.
1t seems to me, pollock" that the safe
a ~. Il, ,ok Toe, 4