The record-union., 1896-03-14
CONSIDERATION FOR OTHERS
Idle Talk and Gossip That Unneces-
sarily Wounds.

Idle Talk and Gossip That Unneces-
sarily Wounds.
Many rude people who give great Of
tense or pain to their fellows seek to ex-
cuse themselves on the ground that they
were merely thoughtless; that they did
not intend to do anything which would
hurt their companions. And the world
is so far indulgent that it generally ac-
cepts the apology, just as it credits
other people with good intentions when
their actual performance is bad.
Thoug ghtlessness may be excusable in
very young children, but it is not a TEN
able excuse for the wrong-doing OF, an
adult Nor should children, however.
young, be encouraged in making such a
plea in avoidance. They should rather
be admonished at all times to think of
the effect of their words and actions
and to SO govern both that no injury
should result therefrom Thoughtless-
ness very often mars the effect of in
tended pleasantly. Men joke on seri-
Gus subjects, not knowing perhaps the
circumstances of listeners to whom
their words may give offense. Or they
exhibit their wit without judgment, and
instead of contributing to the good hui
other with their sharp sayings. No one
is under greater need of full command
of his tongue or pen, or of thoughtful
consideration of others than the humor-
ist. His humor should always be
kindly, even when directed in the form
OF satire against wrongs and abuses.
and because of the danger of reaching
someone to whom, at least for the mo-
ment, jokes upon serious subjects
would be painful. he should avoid as
much as possible light treatment of the
sorrows of humanity. Ii would seem
proper to give d special warning to the
practical joker to make sure before per-
petrating his joke that no offense
would be given by it. but the advice
would probably be wasted, for those
who are capable of practical joking are
never considerate. Their thoughtless-
ness is proverbial, and yet excuse is
] found for them even when death or
+ lifetime injury results from their
pranks Observance of the golden rule
may be relied upon to keep one from
doing thoughtless injury to others.
Men and women who have had SORROWS
4 are chastened thereby, and if of kindly
disposition do not lose their cheerful
ness, though they become thoughtful
and considerate. But before one has
tasted the bitterness of life or grown old
/ in years he may by thought. and espe-
cially by interpretive examination of
himself. overcome the natural tendency
t. thoughtlessness and acquire a habit
+ of consideration for others He is thus
put on his guard against saying or do
+ ing that which is liable to wound or
( give offense. He will not idly attack any
mans religion or politics before mixed
company. if at all. nor viii he indulge in
congratulations of anys kind that might
hurt the feelings of individuals. Men
cannot, of course, avoid saying some
things that viii wound. but when they
do so it should be with deliberate,
good purpose, not thoughtlessly. Truth
and honesty very often require us TO de-
nounce a system or policy dear to the
I hearts of other people, or to expose IN
plain language the shortcomings Of an
Individual. but theis should be done
frankly and with due consideration. It
is idle talk or gossip that unnecessarily
wounds or offends, and idle talk or gos-
sir will be avoided by all considerate
tpeople.-Ba1timore Sun.