Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 199, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 August 1918 — OUR PROBLEM OF HAPPINESS [ARTICLE]

OUR PROBLEM OF HAPPINESS

Few People Consider Advisability of Action on Truths Suggested by Great Thinkers. Why is it few people can act on truths put forth by great thinkers; for example, that the unselfish are happier than the selfish? writes Norman Hapgood in Leslie's. In discussing the progress of fellowship In industry, people constantly speak to me as if granting benefits to labor were a “sacrifice.” So, as we are constituted, I suppose it is. Why is it not rather a privilege? Do we know in our hearts that simplicity and devotion give a contentment no accumulation of material things can rival? Is it not mere lack of courage that keeps us from trying in our own lives just a little of the New Testament? Indeed, is there anything more tragic than to die without ever having given the great spiritual truths a chance to practice? I have been looking carefully into the early stages of co-operation in a small manufacturing plant The plan started about a year ago. All questions .concerning factory employment go first to a committee in which most of the members are factory employees. The head of the concern has differed with the committee but once, and then he was right, and when he put his view, the committee voluntarily reversed its previous decision by something like ten to one. This concern last year paid exactly the same dividends on wages that it paid on capital. The president of the company intends to carry the plan further, as far as control goes, as rapidly as the education of employees makes it possible. He has no desire to pile up such a fortune that neither he ner his descendants for generations will know the necessity of doing their share in order to live. He is without fear and without indolence. I know him and I know also many of the other type of capitalists, who cling to all the power and all the profits. Believe me, if I had to choose between his inner self—his serenity, ardor, and youthful heart —and the tired, distrusted plethora of the more acquisitive type, it would not take me long.