The Lexington advertiser. [volume] (Lexington, Miss.) 1904-1985, 1915-10-08
ELLISON COMMUNITY.


Sometimes we are distressed to real
ize the real concern aud even unhappi-
ness many people occasion themselves
over what others will think of the
things they do.
, A decent regard for public opinion.
to consclentously live in way that
will enable us to feel that we are en-
titled to the respect and consideration
of our fellowman, is an absolutely
necessary thing If we are to be really
useful people; but | can imagine no
more unfortunate condition than being
slave to public opinion.
TO me it seems, that what we can
consclentlously think of ourselves Is of
so much greater Importance than what
others think of us, that if we can hon.
estly respect ourselves, not egotistical-
ly, but humbly and modestly, the opin-
ION OF those who do not appreciate us
need not matter very much.
Nothing can cause me greater weari-
ness than being associated with peo-
pie who cannot eat dinner without
worrying over what people will think
if they do. or do not, take soup, or fin
lsh with ice cream. This is not as alb.
surd as 1t sounds
! know many people who do not, and
seemingly, cannot make a move how
ever unlmportant, without the, to
them, vital question presenting itself,
What will people Think" Humanity
in general. the things people do and
the motives which actuate them, has
an interest for me which amounts to
fascination, and | do not observe to
criticize for love humanity, but of all
traits of human character, | have less
patience with this one, the what will
people think attitude, which SO many
un consciously assume.
In the matter of dress, of conduct,
and everything which concerns their
daily life, always it is What will peo-
pie Think" Custom, tradition and
convention are largely responsible for
this; and | am not advocating deliber.
ate'y, disregarding any of those time
honJred guide posts Of life, but why
carry It to such extremes? Why should
we concern ourselves greatly over what
others think? Aren't they mere ordi-
nary mortaIs just as we are. and why
IS not our judgment of what is good to
do, our likes and dislkes, our opinions
and convictions just as dependable as
theirs
The people who attempt to regulate
our lives, who attempt to force their
opinions, likes and disIkes upon US,
insult our intelligence and deserve our
contempt.
y Cusom, convention, trad tion in what
absolute slavery they hold US. | would
not sympathlze with the man who re-
fuses to cut his hair or wear a collar.
or the woman who would wear the
styles of a past century, or with people
who Intentionally shock and disregard
the small conventions Of polite world.
to boOrshIy do as they please: hut
tradition, this playing in the back yard
of life because our fathers did it, not
daring to venture out upon the broad
highway leading to Independence of
thought and deed, for fear of what
people will think and say, | have no
patience with that.
There is considerable coWardlce in
this attitude, and it has a warpng and
narrowing effect upon character. No
really great man or woman has ever
known this fear, for if they had they
could not have been great.
Columbus did noq care what people
said or thought of hIm, when firm in
the belief that the world was round
In the face of opposition and ridiCule,
with nothing to strengthen him but ms
divine confidence in himself, his Only
believer, Isabella, of Spain
he sailed away into the unknown and
gave TO pOsterlty new world: and
though he was enchained and thrown
into prison, dying without realizing
the greatness of his achievement. today
we honor him as the disCOverer of the
grea est country upon earth. There
is a possibility that had Columbus
been content to play in the back yard
Of life, as tradition said he should, we
may never have had America.
The greatest inventor of the age.
Thomas A. Edison, the gray haired
man who has given to the world 80
many wonderful inventions, and who,
when the great manufacturing plant
which represented the labors of a life
time, burned TO the ground, refused
to acknowledge defeat and benoldlng
the ruins. said Tomorrow | will
begin over. Edison was not afraid
of what the world would think or say
Of him when he set about perfeCting
the wonderful plans of his brain.
Woodrow Wilson, the man at the head
Of our government, whose wisdom. pa
tience and elf confdercy has kept our
clear of the terrible conflict
which has shaken the countries of the
90 katW 1.A
which Is robbing them Of their wealth
of manhood which should have served
their country in peace, not in war;
which has robbed the world of untold
treasures, Of art and interest; which