Hesperian student / (Lincoln [Neb.]) 1872-1885, May 01, 1877, Page 135, Image 15
Discretion. 135 V ' press and free speech, never forgetting Hint one is the medium of the other, and Hint the harmony of both is nu essential clement of civilization. C. DISCRETION. "There arc ninny more shining quali ties in the mind of man, hut there is none so useful ns discretion." The above words though penned ninny venrs ago, by one illustrious for his good sense mul wise counsel, nevertheless seems to enjoin on us n careful examination of this most use ful quality found in the mind of man: nor none the less do they admonish us, in the formation of character, to give thereto the attention of which this quality is so emi. nently deserving. The discreet man possesses immense ad vantage over his neighbor who is indis creet, and who, not being able to see this advantage, and wherein it lies, is aston islied at the " luck," as he is pleased to call it, of his neighbor as compared with his own. As oelbre said, he is unable to understand why his neighbor should be more successful than himself. But the problem must be solved, at least satisfac torily in bis own mind; and, alter a time he concludes that the only rationi'l cause of the difference is, that he has been born under an " unlucky star," and his neigh bor under a "lucky one." Hut in reality the difference between them h.is not been caused by stars or anything else of that sort. The real cause is found In an entile ly different direction. For though he may have all other qualities to perfection, be can never be successful s. long ns he lacks discretion. It is discretion that gives to the other qualities motion; it is discretion that points out to its possessor, the pleasant and profitable paths, leading along the road of life; hence becoming of inestimable value to him, and may well therefore be called a most upeful quality. Now it is self evident that few qualities alone in an individual, cannot make him successful in life. Itjs only by a judicious combination of nil good attributes, that n satisfactory result is attained in life. But if he have other qualities in moderation, and this in perfection, lie is already equipped for a successful journey on the highway of life. When the discreet man first sets out on the journey of life, he pnuses ns if in fear. Others rush by him, wondering whnt hns caused him thus to stop, while yet in the beginning of his journey. But it is not fear that has caused him to pnuse. What then Is it? At first he seems lost in deep meditation. He sees countless numbers of his fellow beings hurried on, whither they know not. lie hesitates, wondering if he too must lustcn on in the darkness. Nay, it cannot be, that men must travel this dangerous road blindfolded, ns it were, lie glances around, mm nis eyes rest on a seemingly few among the host, who seem to advance witli firm and steady tread, lie eagerly watches their progress, observing the freedom and security with which they proceed. These are not un frequently seen to pause (only, however to make greater progress afterward,) and look carefully down the rond, examining every object likely to fall in their wny: thus avoiding the obstacles constantly be. setting their fellow trnvellers. Such, it is needless to say, are the discreet travellers. Our traveller of course adopts their mode of trnvulling. He is now encouraged to proceed. But before starting, he looks far ahead; and when he has made a thor ough survey of the ground over which ho purposes travelling, then, nnd only then does he venture on. He keeps in view the remote objects, as well as those more near. Disco ion tenches him to look to the future; it inspires him with motives high and noble; it continually makes him better, nobler, wiser. So we perceive, that there is more than one wny of walking in life. At least, we have in mind two, namely; that way in which the discreet man travels, and that other way, in which nrc invnrinbly found misfortune, disappointment nnd a train of other evils, all of which every HI 1 -."i