The Washington herald., 1918-01-21

"The reason that mest OF us are
miserable and discontented," said the
Woman Philosopher. lis because we
are supremely and utterly egotistical
and demand SO much for ourselves
that II is impossible for our desries
to ever be gratifed in full. Hence
these tears.
1--WE can understand why existence
must inevitably hold much Of disap-
pointment and sorrow for other peo-
pie, but 1t seems such cruelty un-
just thing that we ourselves should
ever have to suffer. We feel that in
some mysterious way the law of ma
ture should be suspended in our own
particular case and that we should
be immune from all the griefs that
tear poor human hearts.
1--WE demand of fate what is vouch-
safed to no other one human being
to be perfectly healthy, very wealthy,
extremely beautiful. admired and
courted by all, and never to have the
shadow of sickness or death fall
across our sunshine.
And when we find out that life
doesn't play any favorites and that
we get the same sort of a deal that
all Of our neighbors get, We howl with
rage and disappointment.
We never argue out just why We
should be the dariings of the gods.
but we are very certain that we are
entitled to be, and that no matter
how blessed we may be we have not
gotten as much as we deserved. The
best isn't good enough for us.
Did you ever know anyone who
habitually compared his lot in life
with that OF someone who was worse
off than he was? Never. We always
look up, instead of down. at the meas
Lring stock, and then rebel because
we are not top notch.
when l want a new sealskin coat
and can't afford 1t. don't go out on
the street and gaze at some poor,
shivering woman vino is dragging a
thin wisp Of a ragged shawl about
her frozen shoulders. and then emit
shouts of joy because 1 have got a
good. thick. warm old fur coat, even If
1t isn't the very latest word in fashion
able fur ripples.
"On the contrary, turn my eyes
on Mrs. Croesus' gorgeous sable as
she rolls down the avenue I'm her linn
CUISINE. and I beat on my breast and
weep because / also am not befur-
red like millionairess.
LAS a matter of fact, the lot of the
average individual isn't such a bad
one. Most of US have fairly good
health and are comfortably fed AMI
housed. We have agreeable friends
and relatives and we only work hard
enough TO have something interest
ing to do TO fill I'm our lives.
There's nothing to prevent US from
fairly burbling with happiness except
the egotism that makes US think we
| should have the thick cream of every
thing presented to us on a silver
salver. But for our over-weening
sense OF our own Importance We could
enjoy chugging around in our Tin
Lizzies instead OF being miserable be-
cause We haven't imported French
cars. and we could wear out-hand-
me-down suits in peace of mind in
stead Of being filled with bitterness
and envy because they are not con-
fections from a world-famous tailor.
"Egotism is the mother OF discon-
tent. II you will notice you will OBJ
serve that the more self-conceited an
individual is the more of a dark-blue
pessimist and surly crouch he or she
| is sure to be.
Such people never ask themselves
why they should have been given the
! things as their right that other people
! have to toll and slave to get. or why