Character and Conduct – 25 November – Grumblers

THERE is a sect, unfortunately known to most in this land, under the denomination of Grumblers, whose fundamental maxim is whatever is… is wrong.

Wherever they are found, and they are found almost everywhere, they operate as a social poison;  and though they contrive to embitter the enjoyments of everybody about them, they perpetually assume that themselves are the only aggrieved persons, and with such as to be believed, till thoroughly known.   

They have often some excellent qualities, and the appearance of many amiable ones;  but rank selfishness is their chief characteristic, accompanied by inordinate pride and vanity.   They have a habit of laying the consequences of their own sins, whether of omission or of commission, upon others;  and, covered with faults, they flatter themselves they ‘walk blameless.’   Where their selfishness, pride, or vanity are interested, they exhibit signs of boundless zeal, attention, and affection, to which those who are not aware of their motives, are the dupes;  but the very moment their predominant feelings are offended, they change from April to December.

They have smiles and tears at command for their holiday humour; but in ‘the winter of their discontent,’ there is no safety from the bitterest blasts.

Their grievances are seldom real, or if real, are grossly exaggerated, and are generally attributed to themselves;  for, absorbed in their own feelings, they are wonderful losers of opportunities.

In conclusion, I think it would be for their advantage, as it certainly would be for that of the rest of the world, if they were made subject to some severe discipline;  and I would suggest for the first, second, and third offence, bread and water and the tread mill, for one, two, and three months respectively;  for the fourth offence, transportation for seven years to Boothia Felix, or some such climate;  and any subsequent delinquency I would make capital, and cause the criminal to be shut up with some offender in equal degree, there to grumble each other to death.

The Original, THOMAS WALKER

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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.