The Bossier banner., 1908-08-27
Ts!DUGHTLESSNESS.

Many rude people who give
great OiIense OF pain to their fell
lows seek To excuse 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 accepts the
apology, just as it credits other
people with good intentions when
their actual performance is bad.
Thoughtlessness may be excusa-
bic IN very young children, but it
is not a t2nablc 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 adnonished at all times
to think of the effect of their
words and actions and to so gov
vern both that no injury should
result tharefrom. Thoughtless-
ness very often mars the effect Of
intended pleasantly. Men joke
on serious 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 humor
of their companions wound one
another 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 humorist. 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 some one to whom, at
least for the moment, jokes upon
serious subjects would be painful,
he should avoid as much as pos
Slbie light treatment of the sor-
rows of humanity. 1t would seem
proper to give a special warning
to the practical joker to make sure
before perpetrating his joke that
no oftense would be given by it,
but the advice would probably be
wasted, for those who are capable
OF practical joking are never con-
siderate. Their thoughtlessness
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 are chast-
ened thereby, and if of kindly
disposition do not lose their cheer
fulness, though they become
thoughtful and considerate. But
before one has tasted the bitter
ness Of life or grown old in years
he may by thought, and especially
by retrospective examination of
himself. overcome the natural
tendency to thoughtlessness and
acquire d habit of consideration
ior others. He is thus put on his
guard against saying or doing
that which is liable to wound or
give offense. He will not idly
attack any mans principles be-
fore mixed company, if at all,
nor will he indulge in generaliza-
tons of any kind that might hurt
the feelings of individuals. Men
cannot, of course, avoid saying
some things that will wound, but
when they do so it will be with
deliberate, good purpose, not
thoughtlessly. Trutrand honesty
very often require us to denounce
a system or policy dear to the
hearts OF other people, or to ex-
pose in plain language the short
comings OF an Individual, but this
should be done frankly and with
due consideration. 1t is idle talk
or gossip that unnecessarily
wounds or offends, and idle talk
or gossip will be avoided by all
considerate people.