The weekly times-record. (Valley City, N.D.) 1912-1922, 1921-11-03
TAKES PERSONALITY
AS CHAPEL THEME

which some persons have in remark
able degree, which sets an audience
wild at the mention of the nome OF
Blaine or a Lincoln which makes peo-
pie applaud beyond the bounds OF en-
thusiasm. II we had discernment
fine enough and the tests delicate
enough we could not only measure the
personal atmosphere of individuals,
but could make more accurate esti-
mates concerning future possibilities
of schoolmates and young friends. We
are often misled as to the position they
are going to occupy from the fact that
we do not reckon this personal atmos-
phere or magnetic power as part of
their success, capital. Yet this indi-
vidual atmosphere has quite as much
to do with ones advancement as brain
power and education. Indeed we con-
stantly see men of mediocre ability
but with fine superb manner, being
rapidly advanced over the heads of
those who are by far their superior in
mental endowments.
A good illustration of the influence
of personal atmosphere is found in the
orator who carries his audience with
him like whirlwind, while he is de-
livering his speech and yet so little Of
his personal element adheres to his
cold words in print, that those who
read them are scarcely moved at all.
The influence Of such speakers de-
ponds almost wholly on their presence,
they are much larger than what they
say and do. We are unconsciously in
fuenced by people who possess this
magic power with their presence, i'm
pulses and longings come to our mind
which never stirred US before. All at
once life takes higher and nobler
meaning and we are forced with de-
sire to do more than we have ever
done before. On the other hand we
frequently meet people who make us
shrivel and shrink into ourselves. A
blighting narrowing sensation which
seems to make us suddenly smaller
passes over us. The effect of their
presence is paralyzing and we hasten
from it as soon as possible, But do
l describe here transcendental con-
dition the one unattainable unless ma
turally possessed, the unavoidable be-
cause inherent to our nature? Suffi-
cient to say that it can be acquired,
and here arises the special interest for
US. Much of the charm of, mag
netic personality comes from a fine
cultivated manner, cordiality of bear
ing, generosity Of feeling: the delight
full art Of pleasing. Many a youth
owes his promotion or his first start
in life to the disposition to help along
wherever he could. This was one of
Lincoln's chief characteristics. He
had a passion for helping people for
making himself agreeable under all
circumstances. When the Rutledge
Tavern where he was boarding was
crowded, he would often give up his
bed and sleep on the counter Of his
store with roll Of calico for his pill
low. The power to please is a tremen-
dous asset and it can be acquired. and
it is comparatively easy to cultivate
because it is made up of so many 9TH
er qualities that may be cultivated
For instance you never know a thor
oughly unselfish person who is not
an attractive person. No person who
is always thinking of himself, and try
ing to figure out he can get some ad-
vantage from everybody else, will
ever be attractive.
The secret Of pleasing is in being
pleasant yourself, in being interesting
If you would be agreeable you must
be magnanimous. The narrow stingy
soul cannot please. There must be
heartiness in the expression, in the
handshake, in the cordially which is
unmistakable. If you radiate light.
people will try and get near you, for
We all love sunshine and try to get
away from the shadows. think it is
unfortunate that these things are not
taught more in the home and in the
school; for our success and happiness
uneducated heathens. We know
depends largely upon them. Many of
us are no better in this respect than
uneducated heathens. We know
enough but We live narrow and re-
served lives, when we should be broad.
generous, sympathetic. Far be it
from me to underestimate the value
Of a book education, but let US not
overestimate the education from books
alone.
A large part of the value of the COL
lege education comes from the social
intercourse Of the students, the reen-
forcement of character by association.
Their faculties are sharpened and pol
ished by the attrition of mind and
mind, the pitting of brain against
brain. which stimulate ambition and
brighten the ideals. Book knowledge
is valuable but knowledge which
comes from mind intercourse is in
valuable. But here is the point wish
to emphasize: you can only get great
deal out of social intercourse by CIV
ing great deal of yourself. You
must give much in order to get much
If you 60 into social life with deter
mination to give it something to call
out your best social qualities you will
not find society either bore or I'M
profitable. But YOU must give some
thing or you will not get anything.
The man who is determined to get on
will look upon every experience as an
educator which will make his life
little more shapely and attractive