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Literary
June 12, 1869
American Citizen
Canton, Madison County, Mississippi
What is this article about?
Collection of aphorisms titled 'GEMS OF THOUGHT' discussing modesty contrasted with ignorance, the proper use of wit, the endurance of esteem over passion, misfortune linked to misconduct, frugality balanced with liberality, and sorrows lightening upon approach. Attributions to Tillotson and Wienn.
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GEMS OF THOUGHT.
Modesty.—The modest deportment of those who are really wise when contrasted with the assuming air of the young and ignorant, may be compared to the different appearance of wheat, which, while its ear is empty, holds up its head proudly, but as soon as it is filled with grain, bends modestly down, and withdraws from observation.
Wit is a commendable quality; but then a wise man should always have the keeping of it. It is a sharp weapon, as apt for mischief as for good, if it be not well managed. The proper use of it is to season conversation, to represent what is praise worthy to the greatest advantage, and to expose the vices and follies of men, such things as are truly ridiculous; but if it be applied to the abuse of the gravest and most serious matters, it then loses its commendation.
Tillotson.
Passion dies soon, killing itself with its vehemence. Esteem lives and strengthens with its own power.
Misfortune and misconduct were born twins. Our faults are often the parent of our woes; and who most declaims at the world's frown, has generally done his best to earn it.
Frugality is good if liberality be joined with it. The first is leaving off superfluous expenses; the last is bestowing them for the benefit of others that need. The first without the last begets covetousness: the last without the first begets prodigality.
Wienn
Our sorrows are like thunder clouds, which seem black in the distance, but grow lighter as they approach.
Modesty.—The modest deportment of those who are really wise when contrasted with the assuming air of the young and ignorant, may be compared to the different appearance of wheat, which, while its ear is empty, holds up its head proudly, but as soon as it is filled with grain, bends modestly down, and withdraws from observation.
Wit is a commendable quality; but then a wise man should always have the keeping of it. It is a sharp weapon, as apt for mischief as for good, if it be not well managed. The proper use of it is to season conversation, to represent what is praise worthy to the greatest advantage, and to expose the vices and follies of men, such things as are truly ridiculous; but if it be applied to the abuse of the gravest and most serious matters, it then loses its commendation.
Tillotson.
Passion dies soon, killing itself with its vehemence. Esteem lives and strengthens with its own power.
Misfortune and misconduct were born twins. Our faults are often the parent of our woes; and who most declaims at the world's frown, has generally done his best to earn it.
Frugality is good if liberality be joined with it. The first is leaving off superfluous expenses; the last is bestowing them for the benefit of others that need. The first without the last begets covetousness: the last without the first begets prodigality.
Wienn
Our sorrows are like thunder clouds, which seem black in the distance, but grow lighter as they approach.
What sub-type of article is it?
Essay
What themes does it cover?
Moral Virtue
What keywords are associated?
Modesty
Wit
Passion
Misfortune
Frugality
Sorrows
Moral Reflections
Aphorisms
Literary Details
Title
Gems Of Thought.
Key Lines
The Modest Deportment Of Those Who Are Really Wise When Contrasted With The Assuming Air Of The Young And Ignorant, May Be Compared To The Different Appearance Of Wheat, Which, While Its Ear Is Empty, Holds Up Its Head Proudly, But As Soon As It Is Filled With Grain, Bends Modestly Down, And Withdraws From Observation.
Wit Is A Commendable Quality; But Then A Wise Man Should Always Have The Keeping Of It.
Frugality Is Good If Liberality Be Joined With It. The First Is Leaving Off Superfluous Expenses; The Last Is Bestowing Them For The Benefit Of Others That Need.
Our Sorrows Are Like Thunder Clouds, Which Seem Black In The Distance, But Grow Lighter As They Approach.