BESANT’S MAXIMS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2533, 25 July 1893, Page 4

BESANT’S MAXIMS.

It is the part of the sage to make maxims (writes Walter Besant iu the Queen). 1 have for some time suspected that I have arrived at the period of life when the sage is at his best, ivnd I have now, therefore, tried my hand at a few useful maxims. Here they are, a mixed and miscellaneous lot. Uf course, the sage at this time of the day must be cynical in order to be popular. I hope some of these are cynical enough. Those on riches seem—to a partial parent—to be maxims really worthy of the most Eastern —the most Himalayan 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 r.ch. 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 once to practice with a wooden one. Men's motives are mercifully hidden by their shirt fronts. Observe moderation iu 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 iu confessing mistakes. Everybody says that gentle birth is an accident, and everybody treats it as an achievement. The most charming attribute of friendship i s the right of candor. 6atpf#]pess may be an admirable cloak. Nothing MhFS saddens us than a friend’s success.