Character and Conduct – 16 December – Example

Children have more need of models than of critics. 

JOUBERT

IT IS by imitation, far more than by precept, that we learn everything; and what we learn thus we acquire not only more effectually, but more pleasantly.   This forms our manners, our opinions, our lives.  

BURKE

MEANWHILE there is much that we can do.   It need not be said that home is the most effective school of character.   On the duties of home I cannot dwell now.   But there is a more general influence of common tone and habits of which serious account ought to be taken.   We are at all times unconsciously educating others by our own example.   Our standard of duty in the discharge of business and in the use of leisure necessarily influences the desires and the actions of those who look to us for guidance.   The young are quick-eyed critics, and the sight of quiet devotion to work, of pleasure sought in common things – and all truly precious things are common – will enforce surely and silently some great lessons of school.   We do not, as far as I can judge, rate highly enough our responsibility for the customary practices of society.   Not infrequently we neutralise our teaching through want of imagination by failing to follow out the consequences of some traditional custom.   We seem to be inconsiderate when we are only ignorant. 

Bishop WESTCOTT

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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 is that readers may be inspired to imitate the example of the authors.