The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1905-12-20
Our Attitude
Toward Our
Weaknesses g
MAETERLlNCk

T is not of Importance to have no more passions, vices or
faults-that is impossible SO long as one il a man in the midst
Of men, since we make the mistake to describe as passion,
~ vice or fault that which is THE VERY BASIS OF HUI
MAN NATURE. But it is of Importance to recognize in
their details and their secrets those which we possess and to watch
them at work from a standpoint so high that we may look upon them
without fearing lest they overthrow us or escape from our control to
harm us O those around us.
So soon as from that standpoint we see our instincts, even the low
est and most selfish, at work, PROVIDED WE ARE NOT WILL
FULLY WICKED-and it is difficult to be that when our inmli-
gence has acquired the lucidity and the force which this faculty Of
observation impies-as soon as we see them thus at work they become
harmless, like children under their parents eyes. We can even lose
sight Of them, forget to watch them for a time; they will commit no
serious misdeeds, for the obligation that lies upon them to repair the
evil which they have done renders them naturally circumspect and
soon makes them LOSE THE HABIT OF DOING HARM.
When we have acquired a sufficient sincerity with ourselves, it
does not follow that we must deliver it to the first conner. The frank
est and most loyal man has the right to hide from others THE
GREATER PART Of what he thinks and feels.
If it be uncertain whether the truth which you propose to speak
will be understood, do not utter it. 1t would appear in others quite
different from what it is in you, and, taking in them the appearance Of
a lie, it would do the same harm Is a real lie.
WHATEVER THE ABSOLUTE MoRALlsrs MAY SAY, As SOON
As ONE IS NO LONGER AMONG EQUAL coNsc,ENces EVERY
TRUTH TO PRODUCE THE EFFECT OF TRUTH REQUIRES FOCUS.
1t is therefore right that W should present to each man only tie
truth for which he has room in the hut or palace which he has built to
admit the truths of his life. But let us, nevertheless, give ten II TWEEN.
ty times as many truths IS we arc offered in exchange, for in this, as in
all circumstances, it behooves the more conscient to take the lead.
The reign of instinct begins only WHEN THIS FOCUSING
is NO LONGER NECESSARY. We then enter the privileged
region of confidence and love, which is like a delightful shore where
we meet and battle together under the rays of a kindly sun.
Until this hour man had lived on his guard like a culprt. He did
not yet know that every man had the right to be WHAT HE IS.
When we emerge from this state the idea no longer comes to us to
hide a secret thought or a secret sentiment, however vulgar or con.
tempible. They can no longer make us blush, seeing that in owning
them WE DlSOWN THEM, we separate them from ourselves, we
prove that they no longer belong to us, no longer take part in our
lives, no longer spring from the active, voluntary and personal side Of
our strength, but from the primitive, formless and ensaved being that
affords us entertainment as amusing IS are all those in which we detect
the play of the instructive powers of nature.
1t is not indispensable that we should correct ALL Of our &C.
knowledged faults, for there are faults that are, so to speak, necessary
to our existence and our character.
MANY OF OUR OBJECTS ARE THE VERY ROOTS OF OUR GOOD
QUALITIES.