The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1911-02-04
SENSITIVENESS.

Sensitiveness, when broad enough
not to be centered in self alone, is an
indication of a truly gentle disposition,
of a refined and keen sense of justice,
and upon all occasions, a we'll adj
vanced idea of just such measures as
should be adopted. Sensitiveness has
been ably defined as neither a fault
nor virtue; it hovers so closely to
both, nevertheless, as to become i'm
perceptibly interviewer with either,
and the worst or best trait in the
character, according as it is given rein
in either direction.
The disposition absolutely devoid of
Sensitiveness does not exist in I'd
tional being; we would not wish it to,
for were sensitiveness lacking, all the
fine points and delicacies of life would
be likewise lacking. It exists to a
greater or lesser degree in every
character, but whether it is vulgar or
refined depends largely upon the tenn
permanent of the individual in ques-
ton, and upon the efforts which he or
she make toward perfecting it. Wheth-
er this peculiar possession, this par
ticular trait in the makeup of each
one of us, is to be a source of misery
and annoyance to those with whom
we come in contact and of unhappi-
ness to ourselves, whether it is to de-
velop into a disagreeable fault or d
precious virtue, lies with ourselves
alone
Sensitiveness is clear of sight and
keen of ear; nothing escapes it, for it
is keenly alert and never caught nap
ping. It also lays claim to sense of
mind-reading by which it processes to
know precisely what others are think
ing; to be brief, constituencies is a
keen-witted pessimist, always on the
lookout for the most disagreeable sit
uation possible, and ready always to
attribute to motives of ill will even the
slightest thoughtless word or action.
Like the sentinel on duty, sensitive
ness is always armed, and, like him.
scents always, at least in imagina-
ton, the powder of the battle.
To feel a slight or an unkind word
is natural, and not in itself fault;
to seek an occasion always for being
hurt is melancholy business at best;
to take umbrage at the slightest word
or action, and to expect those about
us to spare our feelings while we take
full license to wound theirs, is incon'
siderate in the extreme, while to re-
taIiate, returning spite for spite, is un
Christian and hateful, and herein lies
the sensitiveness which is at once sci
fish, vulgar and even sinful.
To sound the depth of sensitiveness
to such an extent as from it's very
presence in the disposition, and from
the very knowledge of the ease with
which we ourselves are wounded, tt
be made careful for the sensibilities Of
Others, to be. courteous because. a. lack
of courtesy to ourselves is -Wounding
kind because unkindness in word Of
deed is to us keen-edged blade which
pierces all too deeply; in short, tt
use under every circumstance tina
gentle care in our conduct toward
others which this tender sensibility il
our character demands for ourselves
is to be sensitive with a sensitivenes
which is refined and ennobling. W.
shall not cease to feel the slight o
unkindness, as the case may be; pei
haps we shall feel the more keenl.
as our sense of thoughtfulness TO
others becomes more perfected; b,
dint of constant care, however, W.
may succeed in bringing this trouble
some ingredient of our character s.
closely in contact with the virtue o
charity, as to merge and lose it, t.
weave it, so to speak, SO closely wit
the same warp as to have it becom
one with this virtue which is tn
greatest of the three virtues.-Toled
Record.