The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1914-11-26
COMPREHENSIVE.

social phenomena whether intellectual har-
mony and intellectual equality are neces-
sary to the companionship which love or
friendship seeks. Emerson says that "Men
who know the same things are not long the
best company for each other" This may
mean that they do not promote each others
intellectual growth, but is often interpreted
to mean that they are not suited to each
other. 1t is we'll known that men and
women who are intellectual opposites often
mate, and mate happily. But they are
usually complementary one to the other.
Each has quality needed by the other;
together they become one. The creative
faculty is we'll mated with the receptive.
The man of imagination-an author, per-
haps-fnds no one so we'll suited to him
for his companion as good listener, one
who is in sympathy with him, though with
out the power to emulate him. The un-
happy marriages, so often recorded of men
of genius, are not merely the result of daily
companionship with intellectual interiors
as of mating with those who do not sym
pathize with the ambitions of great men.
Holmes says: eff ones intimate in love
or friendship cannot or does not share all
ones Intellectual pursuits, that is a small
matter. Intellectual companions can. be
found easily in men and books. After all
we think of it most of the worlds loves
e,;o hos hoop hotu nonnlc
that could not read or SPELL" The logical
deduction from this would be that culture
of the intellect might relieve one from the
hunger and thirst for sympathy and substi-
tute literary companions, or books, for
those of flesh and blood. 1t is true that
'sthey are never alone that are accompan
led with noble thoughts 1t is one of the
richest blessings of literature that it peo
pies the world of fancy with companions,
friends-lovers, indeed-who know no
change and come at ones bidding. But
they cannot furnish substitutes for the real
companions and friends that the unlettered
enjoy. "When men are lonely they stoop
to any companionship, the dog becomes q
comrade, the horse friend, and it is no
shame to shower them with caresses and
speeches of love-" Man has the social
instinct strong within him." 1t is true, as
Bacon says, that "a natural and secret
hatred and aversion towards society in any
man hath somewhat Of the savage beast"
And, on the other hand, though there is
much that is false and hollow in society,
culture undoubtedly promotes companion
ship and companionabilty. Harmony,
rather than intellectual equality, is needed
to promote companionship, but harmony
does not mean sameness. In art and music
harmony is produced by proper contrasts
of tones and colors. So in the intercourse
of men there may be harmony between
men of different tastes and temperaments.
That equality of power is not essential may
be learned by observation. The strong are
strengthened by intercourse with those who
by their sympathetic interest, curiosity and
admiration stimulate to renewed efforts
the weak are lifted up by their companion
ship with the more highly gifted. Men OF
ciate with their kind, but their every day
friends are usually hard-headed, practical
people, and the latter find their rest and
delight in the companionship of dreamers
Companions are generally chosen instinc-
lively at the dictation of the heart, and
reason does not need to be consulted in the
matter except to guard one from evil com
panions. 1t would indeed be a difficul
matter for any one to determine by intro.
spection what manner of man he shoulc
have for his friend and companion, ane
then start out to find one ready made as HI
would go to buy coat. The man wht
pleases him, with whom he finds rest ant
refreshment and who harmonizes will
him in countless unnoticed ways, is his Fl
companion, provided, of course, he is no
SO morally deficient as to be an evil influ
ence. People are sometimes advised t
seek companionship with their superiors
but this is by no means essential to the tru
happiness that comes from friendship
Using their reason only to guard them
selves against evil influences, they ma,
safely trust their hearts to guide them il
the choice of companions, assured that in
telectual interiors sometimes exert NOR
powerful stimulating influence than equal
or superiors. The best of men have touc
of vanity. To inspire them to fresh effort