A Plea for Hopefulness

1910

Pessimism is a Sin, the Pessimist a Man to Avoid

Hopefulness is a true sign of greatness. It means a conviction that we are greater than our troubles, greater than the world itself, greater than death, and can hold our own whenever it comes, in the universe anywhere and through all eternity.

Such conviction makes a man a god. It is better than riches or high position. It makes a poor man a king. A person who constantly fears or worries is practically an atheist. He has no faith in himself or any other being, He does not usually live long. Worry kills more than whisky; it really hardens the arteries.

No man has a right to kill his friends by a sad, morose countenance. A long face is a mark of religion. It is out of date just now and forever. Sour-looking people should be shut up in jail; they are dangerous. It is a good thing to throw back your shoulders, walk erect, and believe that you own the whole city. You do as really as anyone else, and you feel better for the belief.

Most of our troubles are fear for the future, only "bogies" which disappear when you walk up to them. There is a good time coming. It is here already, if we only knew it.

"To doubt would be disloyalty,
To falter would be sin."


Recipe for a Long Life

He who would live long, healthfully and happily in the land should avoid all anger, hatred, jealousy, revenge, fear, anxiety and worry. He should earnestly cultivate those two great virtues, calmness and kindliness. For calmness and kindliness are not only moral virtues, but are the most valuable of all hygienic influences.