The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1904-11-26
BALANCING RESULTS
THE LAW OF CONSEQUENCES AND
THE PROBLEMS OF LIFE.

Good or Evil In Things Is Discovered
\ by observations OF consequences
Morals Are Determined by the Con.
sequences II Human Actions.
A reaction is the consequence Of an
action; an effect is the consequence OF
a cause; a result is the consequence OF
an antecedent. 1t is evident that the
words reaction, effect, result and con-
sequence express different manifesto.
lions Of one law. usually called the
law of %causation, though it would be,
l believe, more correctly named the
law Of consequences.
We shall understand more clearly the
Intersections in human affairs when we
recognize that the meaning of the
words reaction, effect and result is in
cluded in tie word consequence. We
may doubt the Importance Of reaction
in our affairs, but we shall not doubt
the Importance of consequences.
We are compelled to give considera-
ton to consequences in the most trivial
affairs. One has consequences in view
when lie strikes a match, sets a pot
to boil. plants a seed. pulls a weed,
sharpcls Il pencil, mends a fence. Shall
l take in umbrella? l balance the
dansc" Of rain against the annoyance
of the umbrella and decide accordingly.
Shall ! change my coat? Take another
cup Of coffee: Walk or ride? Each
question will he decided in accordance
uy;+J, =, q estimate ne tho ho1Gp.o 80 M.
suits. lii considering possible advan-
tagts CT disadvantages, gains or losses,
we are balancing consequences, en-
dcavoring to anticipate and weigh the
results of our actions.
Regret is usually a reminder of a
neglect or misjudgment of conse
quences. while repentance and reforma-
ton indicate Il waking up concerning
consequences. Our interest, curiosity,
anXietics, fears, hopes and ambitions
are concentrated upon consequences.
We seek advice when we are doubtful
about consequences. Precepts and eX-
amples clucidate consequences. We
work and rest, eat and drink, scheme
and plan. spend and save, for conse-
quenccs.
The lesson of consequences which
the individual often learns slowly and
inlpcifectly the sound business organ
izations acquire quickly and enforce
by discipline. The statesmen in a sue
cessful store are characterized by tidi-
ness, promptness and a desire to please:
the employees of the important rail
roads are not even permitted to an
swer insult with insult. The industry
that is intelligently managed will
avoid misrepresentation and decep-
ton. knowing that a reputation for
truth and fairness is vital to continu-
success. The shrewdest maXims
of trade are built upon the observation
of consequences.
That mind is the strongest which has
the clearest Judgment of consequences.
The fools are those who know little
about consequences. The child must
be guarded because it is ignorant of
consequences. What we know of mar
stimulants, antidotes, hygiene,
surgery. chemistry, agriculture, me
commerce, culture. we know
through the observation of
quences. The best razor, pillow. SAM
tary system, plan Of social betterment,
ls that which produces the best results.
learning and experience
deal wholly with cause and conse-
The science Of astronomy
seeks to comprehend the heavenly bod
les and their influences upon each 9TH
er.. The, science of chemistry explains
the consequences Of chemical action.
The science Of political economy aims
to distinguish and mark the good and
Evil results Of different systems Of land
taxation, trade and finance.
The science of government would de-
what political system is best
.or a people. The science of war seeks
o know what arms, equipments. forces
md maneuvers will infict the great
,st injury upon the enemy with a min
mum Of expenditure. The science of
language deals with the utility of
words. pronunciation and forms of ex-
And so on through the whole
II human experience knowledge seeks
distinguish that which has the best
from that which has inferior
r evil results.
Our ideas Of right and wrong are due
o: the nature Of the responses. to hu-
nan actions. How do we know that
ruth is better than falsehood? Be-
'ause we are better pleased with our
when We speak truthfully than
when we lie: because truth is essential
o understanding: because we despise
yin@ in others; because lying leads to
'onf,lsion, uncertainty, chaos, enmity
md to other evil consequences. And
% also we have formed a judgment of
and treachery, cruelty and
:indness. virtue and vice. by their con
equences.
Our laws. customs and command
aents would not prove to us that truth
/ better than lying IL our own expert
nee did not confirm it. The Decalogue
] effective only SO far as nature cor
oborates It. /.
Our common conceptions of morality
re the results Of the observation Of
uman actions and their consequences
of cause and effect, of action and
q ootion Mo Lpoxxy <hok oorko}r ~.