PRACTICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22985, 14 September 1936, Page 6

PRACTICAL PSYCHOLOGY

DUNEDIN CLUB’S MEETING “ The Business of Living Together was the subject studied last Thursday evening at the Dunedin Practical Psy etiology Club. The topic was introduced by a brief discussion of the development of man from the primitive state, when families or tribes banded together*™ small communities for the sake of companionship and protection, to the much larger groups and areas of to-day. In this connection the great improvements within recent times in the conditions of living, especially for women and children, were noted, and the question of State versus parental control of children was brought forward and keenly discussed. One of the most important lessons to be learned in life, it was stated, was how to get on with people, and the success and happiness of man’s life depended very largely on how well he learned this lesson. It was necessary to take people as they were, as no one fitted in perfectly with another’s theories or standards. Even the people known and loved the best, would at times do the most unexpected and irritating things, and one might be tempted to rush in with grieved reproaches and good advice. It was helpful. however, for man to remember that if people disappointed him, ho himself might not always be a perfect joy in the lives of others. Those who came into one’s life were the people through whom the opportunities to learn life's lessons came. An attitude of tolerance, sympathy mid cooperation w r as necessary, and care must be taken not to lean on others or hold others responsible for progress and happiness.