Character and Conduct – 17 July – The Open Mind

HE often thought that Dr. Arnold’s maxim of being prepared each morning to consider everything an open question a good working rule.   Not that one should readily change one’s opinions, but should always have an open mind, never a closed one, on any question outside exact knowledge.

HE that never changed any of his opinions, never corrected any of his mistakes;  and he who was never wise enough to find out any mistakes in himself, will not be charitable enough to excuse what he reckons mistakes in others.

WHICHCOTE

NARROW-MINDEDNESS is a cause of self-sufficiency.   We are slow to believe what is beyond the scope of our vision.

LA ROCHEFOUCAULD

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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.