Democratic Sentinel, Volume 16, Number 26, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 July 1892 — The Art of Not Hearing. [ARTICLE]

The Art of Not Hearing.

A kind of discreet deafness saves one from many insults and much blame; therefore the art.of not hearing should be learned by all. It is quite as important to domestic happiness as a cultivated ear, for which so much money and time is expended. There are so many things which it is painful to hear, many which we ought not to hear, very many which, if heard, would disturb the temper, corrupt simplicity and modesty, detract from contentment and happiness, that every one should be educated to take in or shut out sounds according to his pleasure. If a hot and restless friend begins to inflame our feelings, we should consider what mischief these fiery sparks may do in our magazine below, where our temper is kept, and instantly close the door. It has been remarked that if. all the petty things said of one by heedless or ill-natured idlers were to be brought home to him, he would become a mere walking pincushion stuck full of sharp remarks.