Character and Conduct – 5 May – Selfishness

ANY man – with the heart of a man and not of a mouse – is more likely than not to behave well at a pinch;  but no man who is habitually selfish can be sure that he will, when the choice comes sharp between his own life and the lives of others.   The impulse of a supreme moment only focusses the habits and customs of a man’s soul.   The supreme moment may never come, but habits and customs mould us from the cradle to the grave…   Vice and cowardice become alike impossible to a man who has never – cradled in selfishness, and made callous by custom – learned to pamper himself at the expense of others! 

A Happy Family, Mrs. EWING

SYMPATHY is the safeguard of the human soul against selfishness.

CARLYLE

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These quotes are from ‘Character and Conduct’ A selection of helpful thoughts from various authors arranged for daily reading.

Collected by Constance M Whishaw and first published in 1905 as a follow up to her volume of Daily Readings for members of the Being and Doing Guild who asked for an additional volume

In her preface Whishaw writes:

‘This collection of noble thoughts expressed by men and women of past and present ages who have endeavoured to leave the world a little better than they found it.’

It is my hope in publishing the her readers may be inspired to imitate the example of the authors.