The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1909-05-20
Optimism and Progress.

Mr.. Henry w. Wood before the
Chamber of Commerce, Richmond,
Va, March 25th, 1909.
Optimism is one Of the most pow
erful influences for progress. The
man who thinks and governs himself
optimisticaily is ever looking for
ward and upward. The difference
between optimism and pessimism
might almost be compared to the
difference between light and dark
ness. Optimism is constructive, pes
simism destructive 1t is the Opti-
mistic thought that makes for sue
cess, happiness and prosperity; the
pessimistic thought that fetters, i'm
pairs and destroys usefulness and eff
fectiveness. 1t is the thoughts of
man that form his character and des-
tiny. Very few Of US, / think, give
sufficient attention to the control of
thought. If we give way to pessi-
mistic thought, and doubt and fear
results, we shall accomplish very
little. On the contrary, if we kill the
pessimistic thoughts with optimistic
thoughts, looking forward hopefully,
having confidence in ourselves and in
what we undertake, and working in
dustriously toward our aims and OBJ
jects, we can do almost anything we
desire or set our minds upon. The
difference between men is largely
the difference in their thoughts.
Thoughts make acts, and acts make
habits"
The natural trend of the average
mans thoughts is towards pessimism.
and it requires and effort to over
come this trend, but it can be done
with determination and proper con-
troll Of thought. Doubts and fears
are two Of the greatest obstacles to
human progress and welfare "Nev-
er cross bridges before you come to
them" by doubling or fearing re-
suits. Always have confidence in
yourself. If you have to think of
anything that may happen, always
think of the progressive and cheer
full side If you have pessimistic or
depressing thoughts, check yourself,
and ask, What is the optimistic or
cheerful side Of the matter? and then
let your mind dwell on the optimistic
phase and you will find that it will
bring to you thoughts and feelings
that will help wonderfully.
Every thought, every act, and
every impression influences the mind,
consciously or unconsciously. Pro-
gressive thoughts and uplifting in
fuences build up and strengthen, de-
pressing thoughts and influences
weaken and destroy. How impor-
tant it is for us to control cur
thoughts and actions Alright, if we
would build up both our success and
happiness. Train your minds to
think prosperous thoughts, success
thoughts, and work industriously
towards these ends, and success and
prosperity are pretty apt to come to
Won
Stonewall Jackson is one of the
best exemplifcations of the power of
confidence and the influences that
emanate therefrom. Stonewall Jack
sons men relied implicitly on their
leader, and would follow and dare to
do whatever he might plan. The
very fact that Stonewall Jackson and
his men were in front of his enemy
put fear and dlsmay into their ranks,
and really won half the battle before
it was begun. This shows very clear
ly the power Of well directed thought
and confidence. The man that goes
into an enterprise half-heartedly,
WIFI uOuUtS do W lllo ouSSCoo, Hao
better not go into it all. If he has
not confidence in the enterprise and
work which he is doing. how can he
hope to inspire confidence in others.
and in those from whom ne expects
to get his support?
By confidence | do not mean ego
tisrn, but | do mean the confidence
that arises from the power of know
ledge: the confidence that arises from
a mans ability to do. and the conf
dence that will make a success Of
what he undertakes.
A Short Verse.