The Sidney Herald

TALKING ABOUT PEOPLE
People are interesting subjects of conversation, and all of us talk about other people - some much more than others.

If you'll notice there are some among us who spend most of their conversational time talking about other people.

That is good, perhaps, if we are sympathetic and say good things about our neighbors and fellow men. But some of us are inclined to gossip about practically anyone and spread all sorts of tales, even exaggerating them as we go.

This can cause, and does cause, untold harm in every community.

One bad thing about tearing down people is that one's time is wasted on a non-productive pursuit. Did you ever notice that the man or woman who is busy doing things, planning things, and thinking ahead, has little time to sit around talking about menial things and other people?

He or she who is not idle, will usually spend less time in the art of gossip than do the idle, the envious, and those who want to attract attention above all else. A good rule to follow, as much as possible, is to say nothing if you can't say something good about a friend or neighbor. It is surprising how much damage can be quickly done to the reputations of those who are on the receiving end of unfounded, untrue gossip - some of which is always malicious and born of envy.

Another thing we might all keep in mind, in making our contribution to community life (and all of us have this obligation to society) is that anyone who does something different is sure to come under the fire of the old order, the stand-patters, the jealous, and the envious. So inevitably, it seems, the person who strives to push ahead, or who is different, or who achieves more than his fellows, will be the object of petty talk and gossip.