THE ATTAINMENT OF HAPPINESS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1237, 25 April 1914, Page 4

THE ATTAINMENT OF HAPPINESS.

The secret of the Sphinx, “die riddle of life,” is ft Ices! partly solved for Us. if wo con reply successfully to the question. “How to attain happiness.” I low feu t||.-.re are who have nol pan-ed to consider whether 'T.ife "as wouh living.” or. in other word.-, wind her their relationship with others was entirely satisfactory. For our ha pinners depends morn upon our attitude towards i hose among whom we dwell, than upon “tlie pomp and circumstances of Pate.” That never-ending pursuit of wealth, fame, pleasure, social position: lha:.o things arc but the toys that si miniate man into activity. Possessions entail responsibilities, and weariness and satiety follow in their t rain. Experience has proved that, instead of those things promoting happiness, tho reverse is frequently tlio vase. Let us try to answer the problem, and, in doing so wc may find that scientific, research can direct our steps. Of recent vears, a. re-discovery of a truth, well-known to the ancients has been made, viz., that tlio suny total of a man's consciousness is not always of his own creation. Our emotions are contagious. and “onr thoughts” nro very largely »luo to the creative faculties of other minds. Onr modes of speech hint at this fact. We say ‘‘a thought struck mo,” “an idea, came to me.” corroborating l tho scientific assertion that emotion and thought arc tranferablo. Yet our responsiveness to any particular wave of thought, or feeling, is dependent upon the fact of having recorded similar impressions before. Hence, it follows that sustained thought of a helpful and altruistic nature not only innitosis itself in our later actions, but similarly influences all around ‘its capable of receiving such thoughts: frequently more than the spoken word. The reverse also holds true, if wo harbour fear, envy, malice, avarice, and all imcharitnbleness. wc not only pourtray these characteristics in onr lives, but. open a channel of communication bet n eon ourselves and all like-minded. The application of these truths is plain. If we clesiro happiness, (the inalienable birthright of every creature), but not to bo confounded with pleasure, we must first recognise the law of brotherhood, and our responsibilities towards others. If our desires and thoughts are directed to tho making of others, less fortunate than ourselves. liappv, tho more readily do we respond to all happy thoughts and influences, and (he more elfeefively do we transfer onr idealistic conceptions to others. A few weeks of strenuous practice on these lines will result, in our growing proof against ail unhappy influences, and responsive to all kindly influences. until we become an active centre for tin* radiation of rejuvenating streams of sympathy, joy, and peace.

The purchase of a piano is a matter which should be thought of at once. The sum involved is not large, but there are so many questions of quality, tone, price and make, which must be considered. There is still another point which should always weigh with a wise and cautious purchaser—buy your piano from a house with a reputation. Don't run the risk of a bad purchase ! Side by side two pianos might appear to be of equal value. Yet, one could really be almost perfect, and the other a worthless imi tation. Remember, goodness in a piano is not merely in the case, but in the quality of its touch and tone. It is in producing a responsive instrument that sterling value is accorded —one with touch, expression and quality of tone. Should you desire to purchase a piano call upon the Dresden Piano Company. They keep the largest stocks, and deal only with the most reliable makers. On time payments from 20s monthly. North Island Manager ; M. J. Brookes