Democratic Sentinel, Volume 17, Number 20, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 June 1893 — Walter Besant’s Maxims. [ARTICLE]

Walter Besant’s Maxims.

It is a part of the sage to make maxims. I have lor some time suspected that 1 have arrived at the period of life when the sage is at his lest, and I have now therefore tiied my hand at a few useful maxims, writes Walter Besant in the London Queen. Here they are—a mixed and miscellaneous lot. Of course the sage at this time of day must he cynical in order to be popular. I hope some of thess are cynical enough. Those on riches seem—to a partial parent—to bo maxims really worthy of the most Eastern—the most Himalayan—of sages. Out of ten men nine are born to work for the tenth. Resolve to be the tenth. Without trampling the cleverest cannot get rich. Dives is never an example, because nobody considers himself really rich. If you cannot become rich, remember the many miseries of the rich. The consolation of those who fail is to depreciate those who succeed. He who foresees never acts. The greatest things are done by the greatest fools. Wise men never attempt anything. When you lose a leg begin at otue to practice with a wooden one. Men's motives aic mercifully hidden by their shirt fronts. Observe moderation in all things—especially in virtues. The best way to make a man honest is to make him ashamed of being found out. There may be pride even in confessing mistakes. Everybody says that gentle birth is an accident, and everybody treats it as an achievement. The most charming attribute of friendship is the right of candor.