RACE FOR LIFE

Hokitika Guardian, 22 April 1933, Page 7

RACE FOR LIFE

SELF-BELIEF A NECESSITY

“Self-belief is a basic necessity to the happy life. It- is very different from conceit, which is merely a cardinal illusion about one’s innate capacities,” writes Sir Herbert Barker in the “Daily Mail.” The wise man tells himself that his chances are as good as another’s. He reminds himself that what he sees of the lives of his fellowmen are merely the externals. Flor the rich man he envies may have a life devoid of the very thing lie ouaves—lovf.j; and a poor man may be rich in that. So it seems'to me we should first, recognise our handicaps and then accept them and enter the race. There is only one sin; it is to decline battle. Most of our battles rage- unseen in our hearts, and some never come to an issue at all. 1 believe that failure should be an exceptional thing, that many who have failed could still convert failure to success. On the running track a handicap calls forth the last ounce of dogged will in the handicapped. It should he like that in life. A handicap, whatever its nature, should he achallenge to battle.”