Character and Conduct – 21 July – Culture

CULTURE is not an accident of birth, although our surroundings advance or retard it;  it is always a matter of individual education.

HAMILTON W. MABlE

THE secret of culture is to learn that a few great points steadily reappear, alike in the poverty of the obscurest farm, and in the miscellany of metropolitan life, and that these few are alone to be regarded:- the escape from all false ties;  courage to be what we are;  and the love of what is simple and beautiful, – these, and the wish to serve, to add somewhat to the wellbeing of men.

EMERSON

THE highest we can attain to is not knowledge, but sympathy with intelligence.

THOREAU

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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.