Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1910-02-04
We and Others.

\ very intelligent young woman, per-
haps we might say overintelligent, writes
that in her efforts toward right living
and the serious study of a serious pro-
cesson, she has found that, by degrees,
she has beer forced to dispense with va
Tious friendships that were pleasant, but
hurtful, as she deemed, III their intlu-
ence.
She at first tried to arrange her life
so she writes, in such a manner that two
dearly loved friends would suffice, but
circumstances took these friends away
to other cities and now she lives lonely
life without the stimulant of sympathy
and human companionship.
1he difficult question she puts IS
whether such a life is better than one in
which she would continue to take the
risks of acquaintancesnips which would
probably mean loss of time and a break
in her habits of studious work, which are
not conducive to light cOmpaniOnShip,
which she describes as frivolous"
This question in itself and in its word
ing, betrays a lamentable and stilted
attitude on the part of the writer. 1t
Is entirely too self-cOnscious To be men
tally wholesome, and there is consider
able vain glory about this tremendously
serious point of view.
FROM young school girl it might be
excused. From young woman who has
advanced in the study of a profession
1t IS confession that the very alOOfness,
IN which the writer holds herself from
her kind, has already resulted in GER
tain lack of human UNDERSTANDING
Without even knowing the depths of
trivolity or idleness disapproved of in
the discarded friends, it is quite safe
70 say that the point of view taken
by anyone who boldly and BADLY de-
Clares her actions, ideas and rules of
living to be entirely without flaw, is u
mistaken one.
She also condemns too utterly, the
companions whom she describes as idle,
frivolous, lightminded.
She can hardly be competent to judge
so sWeepingly as all This. Many per-
sons adopt 4 rather light manner in or
der that they may not bore people by
their overintense view of themselves.
This degree of self-centered existence
Is often a far more serious flaw than
many of the lesser evils 1t argues an
inverted attitude and too palpable self
approval. 1t suggests a smugness, a
consciousness of merit, than which moth
ing can be more hurtful to mind and
character generally.
Nothing can prove more OF Il deterrent
IN the achievement of success-eyen Il
partial success.
This is very plain talk. but nothing
density, except a thorough arraignment.
We can none of us assume that our
own way is all right. and that of others
all wrong. We can only view it as we
see 1t, and as we know our own environ
Inent influences, training, etc.
10 live by set rule, avoiding irregular
hours or idleness. is a good plan, but
much more than this is needed for right
living, which in itself can never be en-
trely negative. We cannot hold away
from all who do not hold our own views
and retain a good balance.
We must learn to tolerate and bear
and compare and learn from others.
Isolation from our own kind cannot
invite anything but a too self-concen'
trated heart and soul. Human sympathy
brotherhood and neighborly love are the
trinity that leaven life-that short jour.
ney that we take together, helping one
another forgiving one another, and
never assuming q coat Of lmpregnable
perfection.
There are many faults too small to
consider that are unbalanced in time by
the better qualities, although they may
seem 10 predominant.
Harsh Judgment and unkindness are
dangerous cankers. One who hnds Il
necessary to dispense with a friend be
cause of fault or a few faults is lack
ing in heart, in generosity. Such ten
dency becomes actually hideous as he
goes on. Such people often, sadly IN
conscious, find themselves alone and DIS
liked and wonder why.
The frivolous and the idle are offer
aware of their lacking qualities and ma!
be helped by a little kindness. They arr
never self-complacent and sometimes
they. astonish everyone by the depths Of