The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1910-04-14
CANDOR.

w l0N we speak Oh C6NQOr, IL ~ VIGIL
to remember the derivative meaning of
the word. In Latin, which is its native
language, it meant ''dazzling whiteness,"
hence "candid" means "dazzling white"
and 'candidate was 80 called because
in Rome those who aspired to public Office
signified their desire by appearing in white
togas. This explanation at once suggests
the slang expression of s. a white man" as
applied to one whose record is clean and
who can be relied upon for honesty and
sincerity. But candor is not exactly the
same as sincerity. Candor, to be strictly
accurate, indicates purity of intention,
while sincerity denotes love of the truth.
That is, candor implies motive power
which incites to action, acting out the truth
under all circumstances, whatever the con-
sequences may be; but sincerity is rather
an attitude of mind toward truth. The
distinction may be finely drawn, but it is
worth noting when we speak of candor and
candid persons. There is forcefulness in
candor which gives us that distinctive idea
which arises in the mind when we think of
any one as candid.
Among the virtues which we like to note
in those with whom we are brought in con-
tact, there is probably none which we so
value as this candor. tits comprehensive.
1t includes truthfulness and sincerity, and
it also conveys the idea of actually telling
ho in of
every one when it is desirable that there
should be not only truthfulness and the
love of truth, but an active telling of the
truth at all risks and at all costs. It is at
such times that the value of candor on the
part of those with whom we have to do
comes to the front. There are also times
in our lives when, no matter how truthful
we are, no matter how sincere we are, we
hesitate to tell the truth. There is much
to think over in Steele's words:
cit is still matter of complaint, that
sincerity and plainness are out of fashion,
and that our language is running into a
lie; that men have almost perverted the
use of speech, and made words to signify
nothing; that the greatest part of the con-
versation of mankind is little else but driv-
ing a trade of discrimination; insomuch that
it would make man heartily sick and
weary of the world, to see the little SINGER
ity that is in use and practice among men,"
If this be true of US, then we can lay
claim neither to truthfulness, nor to sim
cerity, nor to candor. When it is neces-
sary to speak the truth, our love of truth
should give us courage and our candor
should impel US to speak it. This is one of
the chief rules which ought to regulate
conduct between man and man.
But-and it is very large "but"-we
may we'll ask to be preserved from the class
of persons that pride themselves on their
candor and prefix their remarks with the
expression, 81 am candid man and must
speak my mind.'' Of all the persons with
whom life brings us in connection these
are probably the most irritating and OBJ
jectionable. 1t is not candor that is their
motive force, but pride in fancied
superiority and love for saying disagree
able things. Candor is an acting out of
the love of truth for the truths sake; moth
ing more and nothing less. 1t has no such
Interior object as that of these "candid'
persons, who aim chiefly to wound. It's
motto is powerful is truth and it will pre-
vail" Its only object is the triumph of
right and justice, as the condition of hap
piness. Well, indeed, may we strive to
avoid these "candid" critics of everv
one but themselves.
Candor in it's utility is very like mercy
sit is twice blessed; it blesseth him that
gives, and him that takes" You will find
it most frequently associated with culture
and refinement, for, from its very nature,
its realization of all that is real and true,
it in itself refines, and therefore true candor
has nothing to do with that brusqueness,
one might almost say vulgarity, which
sometimes goes by the name of candor.
To 'him that takes" it brings sense of
trust. of clearing up of difficulties, of
inspiration toward all that is best in life.
But its effect is perhaps most marked in
Shin that gives" He has nothing to con-
ceal; in fact, concealment is alien to his
nature, and therefore he bears an open
and clear countenance. His very carriage
proclaims his principle, just as does the
carriage of the deceitful and the secretive.
1t does not take very great powers of char
acter-reading to detect the candid man: