The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1905-01-06
BALANCING RESULTS
THE LAW or CONSCIOUSNESS AND
THE PROBLEMS or LIFE.

/ A reaction Is the consequence of az
action; an effect In the consequence Of
a cause; result Is the consequence Of
an antecedent. II In evident that the
words reaction, effect result and con.
sequence express different manifesto.
lions OF one law, usually called the
law of eausation. though II would be,
believe. more correctly named the
law OF consequences.
We shall understand more clearly the
interactions In human affairs when we
recognize that the meaning of the
words reaction, effect and result In In.
ciuded In the 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.
tion to consequences In the most trivial
Affairs. One has consequences In view
when he strikes match, sets a pot
TO boil, plants seed. pulls weed,
sharpens q pencil. mends q fence. Shall
take an umbrellal | balance the
danger OF rain against the annoyance
OF the umbrella and decide accordingly.
Shall ] change my cont? Take another
cup OF coffee? Walk or ride? Each
question will be decided IN accordance
with my eslimate Of the balance of re
suits In considering possible advan
tages or disadvantages gains or losses.
we are balancing consequence. On.
deavoring TO anticipate and weigh the
results OF our actions.
Regret IL usually reminder of
neglect or misJudgment of conse.
quences. while repentance aud reforma.
tlon Indicate waking up concerning
consequences. Our interest curiosity.
anxleties, fears, hopes and ambitions
are concentrated upon consequences. |
We seek advice when we are doubtful
about consequences. Precepts and ex.
amplcs elucidate consequences. We
work and rest, eat and drink, scheme
and plan, spend and save. for conse-
quences.
The lesson Of consequences which
the individual often learns slowly and
imperfectly the sound business organ
izations acquire quickly and enforce
by discipline. The statesmen in sue
cessful store are characterized by tidl-
ness. promptness and desire to oplease;
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-
tion. knowing that a reputation for
truth and fairness is vital to continu-
ous success. The shrewdest maxims
Df 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
De guarded because II Ia ignorant OF
What we know Of mar
'otics, stlmulants, antldotes, hygiene,
surgery, chemistry, agriculture, me
'hanIcs, commerce. culture, we know
through the observation OF conse-
luences. The best razor, plow, sani-
ary system, plan Of social betterment,
that which produces the best results.
knowledge, learning and experience
Ieal wholly with cause and conse-
Iuence. The science Of astronomy
eeks to comprehend the heavenly bod.
es and their influences upon each 9TH
r. The science OF chemistry explains
he consequences of chemical action.
he science Of political economy aims
0 distinguish and mark the good and
vii results of different systems of land
enure, taxation. trade and finance,
he science Of government would de
nrmine what political system Is best
Or people. The science Of war seeks
, know what arms, equipments, forces
nd maneuyers will lnflict the great
1t injury upon the enemy with min
mum OF expenditure. The science OF
Inguage deals with the utility of
'ords, pronunciation and forms Of ex.
ression. And so on through the whole
human experience knowledge seeks
J distinguish that which has the best
suits from that which has inferior
: evil results
Our ideas of right and wrong are due
} the nature of the responses TO hu.
an actions. How do we know that
nth is better than falsehood? Be
Iuse we are better pleased with our
Ives when we speak truthfully than
hen we lie; because truth is essential
understanding: because we despise
Ing in others; because lying leads to
infusion, uncertainty, chaos, enmity
I'd to other evil consequences, And
also we have formed judgment of
yalty and treachery, cruelty and
ndness, virtue and vice, by their con-
Quences.
Dur laws, customs and command
ents would not prove to us that truth
better than lying If our own expert
ce did not confirm 1t. The Decalogue :
effective only so far as nature cor :
borates II. I
Dur common conceptions of morality t
D the results of the observation OF h
man actions and their consequences s
Il cause and effect, Of action and +