Character and Conduct – 15 May – Character: The Right Atmosphere

CHARACTER cannot be formed without action.  Through it strength comes.   But every action must have its reaction upon the nature of the one who puts it forth.   If it does not, it fails of that which is its highest result;  for the finest expression of a man’s nature is not to be found in action, but in that very intangible thing which we call his atmosphere.   There are a great many people who are alert, energetic, and decisive, but who give forth very little of this rare effluence – this quality which seems to issue out of the very recesses of one’s nature.   It is, however, through this quality that the most constant influence is exercised;  that influence which is not only put forth most steadily, but which penetrates and affects others in the most searching way.   The air we breathe has much to do with health;  in a relaxing atmosphere it is difficult to work;  in an atmosphere of vitality it is easy to work.   We never meet some people without going away from them with our ideals a little blurred, or our faith in them a little disturbed.   We can never part from others without a sense of increased hope.   There are those who invigorate us by simple contact;  something escapes from them of which they are not aware and which we cannot analyse, which makes us believe more deeply in ourselves and our kind.

So far as charm is concerned, there is no quality which contributes so much to it as the subtle thing we call atmosphere.   There are some people who do not need to speak in order not only to awaken our respect, but to give us a sense of something rare and fine.   In such an influence, all that is most individual and characteristic flows together, and the woman reveals herself without being conscious that she is making herself known.   Such an atmosphere in a home creates a sentiment and organises a life which would not be possible if one should attempt to fashion these things by intention.   The finest things, like happiness, must be sought by indirection and are the results of character, rather than objects of immediate pursuit.

IT is always good to know, if only in passing, charming human beings.  It refreshes one like flowers, and woods, and clear brooks.

GEORGE ELIOT

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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.