Character and Conduct – 11 June – Conceit

IT is indeed a desirable thing to be well descended, but the glory belongs to our ancestors.

PLUTARCH

CONCEIT spoils many an excellency.   Some persons are so proud of their goodness, or of their attainments, or of their position, or of their character, or of their family, that they become offensive to many who would otherwise be won by their merit.   Pride mars, blights, and withers whatever it touches.   It begets assumptions that are very belittling as well as hard to bear.   A man weakens his influence and retards his personal and public interests by giving it full control.   Its exhibition may be natural;  but noble manhood, high moral character, regard to the feelings of others and Christianity all demand its suppression.

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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 them here readers may be inspired to imitate the example of the authors.