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·LESSON I
A VIISTÅKEN VIRTUE
"MANY educators,” says Yoritomo-Tashi,
“make the great mistake. of extolling modesty,
and condoning timidity.
“This mistaken virtue, .everhen accomo
panied by substantial qualities," will always be
an obstacle in the path leading to the Best,"
the goal for which we all shoulfl aim.
“Mistrust of ourselves,' the source of tim
idity, always springs from lack of confidence
in our own strength, and must weaken us by
hindering us from giving to our thoughts and
their realization the inspiration necessary to
exalt them."
There are a thousand forms of timidity, some
quite natural, in a way physical; other's the
most gisual-originating from a mental state,
, which we are too weak to overcome.
*Timidity,” says the Venerable Nippon,
usually traces its origin to many sentiments,
which are but rarely elevating.
3
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·14 TIMIDITY “The loss or weakening of the will-power is the principal cause of these attacks of timidity. "Excessive self-esteem is another case. “The fear of displcasus, or of not appearing as brilliant as we wouli like.. *The feeling of awkwardness, that increases. under the gaze of strangers. "Lacking the energy to concentrate, thereby causing one's thoughts to become confused, so that they can not be marshaled at will. . “Indolence de proctising developing the 'Idea,' but slowly fornicd, which we knofs we can formulare only theu too late. • "The difficulty. ve fiuù in analyzing our thoughts, whichi ' results in our not knowing exactly what we want. “And, above all, the certainty which one feels neost keenly, that words too slowly strung together, but imperfectly interpret a' thought which the speaker was unable to express clearly." "There is, says Yoritomo, further on, other formi of timidity called awkwardness. which is usually caused by a person having an exaggerated idea of his own importance, ausing chim to imagine that every eye is fixt upon him.'. The timid person is very sensitive. An inci- "an- ·A MISTAKEN VIRTUE dent which other people would not notice, affects him most keenly. An apparent coldness, a look which he considers unsympathetic wounds him, especially as his defect isolates him, and causes • him to develop great perspicacity. But, as these observations are based on appearances, rather than facts, and as these.conclusions are founded on details that have been disputed for a long time, often st:{rting from afalse premise, the timid perscríbrings upon himself much unnecessary suffering, the disclosure of which would greatly surprize persons . Plest with good reasoning powers. “Timidity,' says•the philosopher, "may be compared to a magnifying-glass which accentuates artd magnifies the most minute forms a' hundredfold, but includes so small a space that we can see only a little portion of the object. It can not be denied that timidity destroys all ability, when it annihilates the will. • Those who are afraid of being laughed at, suffer the most. "This is, moreover, one of the least interesting kinds of timidity, says Yoritomo, "for it springs from an exaggerated self-esteem? ILI (cm ·0 16' TIMIDITY and the fear of uut appearing sufficiently brilliant. "This fear, in timid persons, whose minds never retain an idea long enough to mature it, negrly always occasions à distressing stammering, and contributes still nfore to increase their trouble. "When in this state, their self-love-violently at variance with their feeling of ixfcriorityblinds them, and so they are put out of coun- {enance, and do all the awkward things they dreaded, thereby making themselves perfectly ridiculous, “I had,” adds the venerable Shogun, " young neighbor, whose father was in a position which gave him access to the most brilliant assemblies. “At these gatherings he became noted for his awkwardness, and his maladroitness. "If offered a cup of tea he would take hold of it in such a way•as to spill the contents on his clothing, and this incident would plunge him into still deeper confusion. "At meals he would handle his chop-sticks so clumsily as to obtain only a few grains of rice, his bowl remaining three-quarters full a long while after every one else had emptied his. - ·;*17 3 3 A MISTAKEN VIRTUE VIRTUE "If he was obliged to salute any one, he would advance blushing, hesitating; apparently seeing lothing' round him, striking against objects that came across his path, stumbling in, the interstices of the matting; in fact, appearing at the very greatest disadvantage. "His father having heard that, in addition to commanding armies, I had devoted myself • to the study of mental disorders, hunted me up. one day and asked me if I would have the kindness to interest myself in his son, and try to cure him for this 'excessive timidity had become an unbearable burden to them both. "Through the bamboo hedges that separated, our two gardens I had often perceived the young man, and been struck with the freedom of his movements, in contrast to his habitual embarrassment. "Therefore, I immediately came, to the conclusion that as his awkwardness only manifested itself in public, he must belong to that class'of timid persons which might certainly be called conceited, for the principal cause of their embarrassment and their affectation lies in the conviction, that they fasten the attention of others on themselves to such a degree that every one notices their slightest, gesture. 3 ·18 TIMIDITY "So I took what I considered the best means of convincing myself of this fact. "This is your son ?' said I, to liis Intler. "'But you are already acquainted with him!' ''I must confess that I cad ng noticed him.' Alas, can this be true. You were cere tainly at the house of our friend, Samourai Long-Ho, yesterday, and you must have seen what a ridiculous figure he cut.' ""How? “Don't you remember? Just as he was · making his grand salute on being presented, he stammered, tugied round as tho trying to make his escape, became entangled in the folds of a rug, and, to save himself from 'Talling, caught hold of a table filled with china. .s. The table upset, making a great clatter, while my unhappy boy fled in confusion.' 'Really,' said I, in an absentminded manner 'I rememşer this little incident, but I think you attach too much importance to it, for my friend and I were so engrossed in an interesting discussion that we paid but little attention to it, or the person who caused it.' "Immediately the young man's countenance brightened. 'I was glad to note that.I had net wrongly classified him; 'nę certainly belonged ( ·7.19 O 1 A MÍSTAKEN VIRTUE to the group of tímid persons in which I had placed him. "In the first place, I made him conceal his identity by introducing him in company as an obscure pupil of mint. Thus, feeling that his identity was; unknoxvn, he gradually lost 'his rexaggerated sense of responsibility. “Reassured by the thought that obscure clerks would never be able to attain the distinction of a darmio (noble) such as he, he gradually gainedo an ease of manner when among pepple, for he felt convinced that the dumble,student he was personating would pass unnoticed among the philosophers by. whom we were usually surrounded, and after a few months he regained his composure, which the sight of people had formerly caused him to lose. In fact, I succeeded so well that., when I returned him to his father, he was proof against that absurd selfconceit which, by convincing him that he was the cynosure of all eyes, had caused him to behave in a vacillating manner, and had disconcerted him,'', The only kind of timidity that Yoritomo tolerated was what he called “Excessive mistrust of oneself." He defined it as follows:

·5 20.. TIMIDITY ** This is the only kind of timidity that does not spring from the clash of deletelious influences. "It is, however, just as much of a defcct, as it weakens one's energy, tho its starting-point is exempt from evil. “To this class belong persons who are conscious of being ugly or infirm; those who underestimate their own worth, and lack the energy necessary to conquer their fault; in a word, all those who feel themselves inferior-with or without cause "in the presence of others, and • lack the will-power indispensable to modify this condition. “Rarely, however, do the timid warrant our taking an interest in them. Disgraced or incompetent persons scarcely ever endure their lot uncomplainingly. This mistaken virtue, called timidity, soon degenerates into open antipathy tothard everybody who offends-them. In his matter-of-fact way, he good-naturedly remarks: “The timid who escape this pitfall, those who live all tlleir lives long without hating their superiors, are the élite, I may say the elect. But these must not be cited as examples; for the march toward the 'Best,' which should be t ·A MISTAKEN VTẾTUE 21 3 the main object of all progress, especially iequires men of executive ability. "Otlær timid persons, feeling that they are cut off from sympathy, shrink within themselves until they feel like outsiders in the midst of company “But this kind of timidity rarely preserves its original purity. The person so afflicted. soon cultivates solitude, and secretly thinks himself superior to others, to which cause he attributes the fact that other people stand aloof from hine. "The best proof of this tendency is that the embarrassment disappears when the .afflicted person finds himself face to face with those who are not his equals. "Wien with his inferiors, he behaves naturally, even affably, and when with his superiors, his extreme awkwardness causes him to resort to a praiseworthy reserve.” These very sensible remarks holà good to all time. A further proof that timidity is a real defect --no matter what causes ite_is, as in the case under discussion, that the premises produce ¡llogical deductions. It is not rational that intellectual equality should be a check to sympathy.

·22 TIMIDITY We see, however, that the timid affilțate more readily with those of a different status. Therefore, the timid person, 'through "mistrust in himself,” becomos abnormal as well, for sympathy, which makes people effusive-an emotión diametrically opposite to timidity—is shown by him under circumstances in which people with well-balanced minds yould have hesitated to express themselves “Excessiye fear of public opinion is also a frequent source of timidity," says the venérable Japanese, who illustrates this maxim by the folfowing anecdote: “One day we were holding a great council arguing a muck-disputed diplomatic question. “Our partizans were especially afraid of one of our adversaries, Long-Shu, a man of great ability, but afflicted with timidity. "We were especially alarmed when he began to speak.' But just at thịs moment the man nearest hita whispered in his ear that a detail of his toilet was disarranged. "This caused his defeat. "Long-Shu immediately became embarrassed; the fear of ridicule so strong in all timid « persons-overcame him, and he stammered. Now the smiles which he thought he detected in !

·A MISTAKEN VIRTUE 23 the eyes, of the audience, completed his dis- · comfiture, and he left the place, after having spoken a few sentences, in great 'embarrassment; thus deserting a cause which, perhaps, lie. might have gained,, if the excessive fear of public opinion had not caused him to magnify into a fault a thing which might have remained unnoticed. , In fact, many of us accused his neighbor of causing his embarrassment “Timidity is nearly always the result of a confused state of mind, for it often springs from the doubt felt regarding the sympathy one craves. “Nevertheless, the, timid .person is afraid of those who are demonstrative; when approached by them, he,evades them, at the same time he suffers because he can not overcome the embarrassment which hinders this familiarity. "He secretly desires it, but is not able to make up his mind to face the physical effort which even the consciousness of the effort would cause him to feel. “What causes this difficulty, 'if, not the thwarting of one's wishes by the corviction of not being able to make the effort to bring them about?” A few pages furthes on we find a very inter- > ·< TIMIDITY esting anecdote, in' which Yoritomo draws a graphic simile regarding the state of mind of a a, timid person "There was,” says he, "a man who became a, very skilful painter. He excelled every one ir painting large birds in flights on thin paper, and no one was more skilful than he in painting plants so that they seemed to float on the dark walers, like faces of the drowned with the light shining on them. “One day he tried to paint a figure that would strike the beholder with terror, for he wanted to use it in illustrating a book on the history of magic. “He began þy sketching one of those frightful heads seen in the most horrible nightmares, then he endowed his figure with terrible attributes "Some days later, on entering his house as night was falling, he was frozen stiff with fright on seeing the chimera ne had created, and, altho he did all he could to overcome this feel. ing, it increased until the day he had the picture removed from his house “The timid person is just like this man. "He exaggerates, and gives great weight to causes of anxiety which originate solely in his C € 0 ·A MISTAKEN. VIRTUE 125 imagination; in a smile lee sees irony; in impassibility, contempt. "In every gesture another person, makes he thinks he perceives unfavorable criticism. He fears praise as much as criticism, and suffering extremely from the one, he fears the other, Which, by forcing him to make a reply, puts him in a pitiable plight. "One of the torments of the timid, iso apprehension. It is the constant apprehension of feeling himself to be inferior, and of inviting ridicule; and, as the least thing frightens him he finally takes refuge in solitude, thereby avoid iig coming in contact with any outside ir fluences." “One of the principal diflictions of the timid, says Yoritomo, "is blushing. The most trifli incident suffices, at all times, to spread a blu over their faces, thus marking them for + attention they fear. "The timorous spirit of, the timid persoj making him subservient to the opinions otherp-sreadily causes him to fear that an · favorable comparison may be made between subject of the conversation at the moment, the blushing which came when least expecte "If the subject under discussion be a pe ·<< 26, TIMIDITY the obsession becomes still stronger, and, when augmented by fear, it is impossible for the timid to hear the name of this person mentioned vitla-' out feeling hot waves, accompanied by high color, mieunt to their faces. (“And the memory of the aggny experienced only increases this propensity, which occurs 20 often as to become a real nuisance. The more so because timidity is always ac, companied by exceedingly delicate sensations, the fruite of constant self-analysis when in mental solitude. “This power of concentration, usually so valuable, is fatal to the timid, for it Icaves tiram struggling witli «their chimera, thereby redoubling their torture. "It tends to disconcert them, especially as they foresee the hostility,,or the indifference, of, others more accurately than people gifted with a well-balanced mind. "Furthermore, we have seen that they quickly imagine this indifference to be hostility, and this hostility to be persecution." From these facts we conclude that Yoritomo speaks the truth when he says that excessive modesty is a mistaken virtue, as it springs from ( vanity, egotism, and lack of energy.

·A MISTAKEN VIRTUE
27
According to his teaching, we have written,
in a preceding book, the following sentence,
which can not be repeated too often:
"Energy is the highest goal of all things
and the world; belongs to the energetic.”

·LESSON II HOW TO PREVENT THÉ GROWTH OF TIMIDITY C { C TH' I tas one of the ferrent disciples of Lang-Ho, the celebrated inind specislist, my inaster," says, says Yoritomo, "took me with him to the country one day." "Tc walked through a magnificent garden in which a ccicbrated arboriculturist was busy exercising his«skill in planting and cultivating trees, the fine fruit of which was to be reserved for the table of the Son of Hcaven, wlio rules orer Che Middle Empire. "Everything in the garden was arranged to charm the eye and the sense of smell, and calculatcd tu make one envions. "There were large trees, with branches so Hicarily Jaden with fruit that they rearly iouched the ground; there were other trees, like ihr clobe-flower, with their golden balls clustered all along the branches; and others stik, surrounded by foliage, sparkled like uncut jewels. 28 ·HOW TO PREVENT TIMIDITY 29 "I never became tired of admiring them, and Lang-Ho listened complaisantly to my remarks. s«Then-ae led.me into another orchard where the skill of man had done but little in the way of cultivation. Here. branches shot out in every direction, bearýpg frit, that was partly hidden by thick boughs. See, my son,' said the master, 'these two gardens represent life: in the first the fruit, being carefully cultivated, exposed in such a way as to ensure its best developihent, and cleared of leaves which would keep off the sunlight, ripens and grows to perfection, just as man should do when his narrow prejudices have been eradicated by long culture, and his opinions rendered valuable by giving them the orientation that his mind demands. ""But in this orchard, where everything is left to the care of nature, only, the fruit that has sufficient energy to disengage itself from its leafy prison is likely to survive and be palatable. Some specimens are very fine,' but all the fruit which has not hąd, sufficient strength to push through the foliage that sheltered it will remain stunted and colorless; much of it will become cracked, and a great part of the remainder will rot on the stem without even ? .

·( 3CC ( TIMIDITY having made an attempt toʻreach the light and the warm sunshine. “This is the fate reserved for the timid. They pass their lives retired within themselves, far distant from beautiful harmony, the creator of happiness co my son!' he added, 'as it is your vocrtion to be a spiritual leader, as well as a warrior, remember this lesson, and reflect that timidity annihilate the most precious gifts. It preevents ones talents from breaking dowił the fortress of bashfulness which surrounds them, just as thịs foliage conceals and stifles some of the fruit we see lyere.'” As I remarked in the preface of this book, Yoritomo was not content with merely pointing out the evil, and giving a minute description of its causes, for his chief concern was to find the cure. In a preceding chapter we read how he applied his theory to a case of timidity, discovered its origin, and the means of conquering and expelling the enemy. But his dream was vaster still. "To cåre for people afflicted with mental disorders,” says he, "is well, but to prevent these : disorders is better." ✓ C C C ·5 HOW TO PREVENT TIMIDITY 91 And being very fond of parables, he adds: "It is certainly good to straighten pp a plant that the pind has bent, but it would have been better to have thwarted this inclination by placing it in a more sheltered location, or' in providing it, from the first, with a prop which would have permitted it to shoot up straight and supple, with no inclination to deviate.”, “Timidity,” adds he,"is rarely natuimal. , It is only noticed in children when an injudicious 1 edycation has made them intractable, and mis-• trustfil of their own worth. “Do animals which have had no experience in' coming in contact with man, fear his approach? “They only become frightened and wild when experience has demonstrated to them that these men chase them, surprize them, and destroy them. “A child, likewise, is not born timid.'' We have stated in a volume, entitled "La Volunté” (The Will), how very necessary'it is to sow seeds in the heart of the child, from the "very first months of his life, even before he is able to unravel the chaos of his sensations and exterior impressions. 'According to the doctrine of the Shogun, this ) FTT 2

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·HOW TO PREVENT TIMIDITY 33 professors, commences life ứnder very unfavorable conditions. The fear of being'reprimanded, which he can not always avoid, makes him restless and suspicious. By repeatedly hearing fault found with everything he does, he comes to mistrust himself. This severity, the cause of which he but imperfectly understands, at last seems to him to be without any motive, and if he does not rebel he is sure to become a victim of timidity, which is prejudicial to, all effort toward the ‘Best.' "If children were ercouraged to be more confidential” says Yoritomo, "timidity would tend to disappear.” In fact, what, one should especially dread in the child is the inclination to retire within himself, and to avoid expressing his thoughts, for fear of not being understood. "It is very wrong, ” he tells us, "not to appear to consider as serious the childish questions that the little one ask; on every occasion. "By not replying to them, or by doing so in an 'ofthand way, we make them conscious of the weakness of their intellect, and their lack of importance from a moral standpoint.; "We must not be astonished. that some tinorous natures feel, themselves of so little J )

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·HOW TO PREVENT TIMIDITY 33 professors, commences life 'under very unfavorable conditions. The fear of being'reprimanded, which he can not always avoid, makes him restless and suspicious. By repeatedly hearing fault found with everything he does, he comes to mistrust himself. This severity, the cause of which he but imperfectly understands, at last seems to him to be without any motive, and if ne does not rebel he is sure to become a victim of timidity, which is prejudicial to, all effort • toward the 'Best.' "If• children were erfcouraged to be more confidential" says Yoritomo, “timidity would tend to disappear.” In fact, what, one should especially dread in the child is the inclination to retire within himself, and to avoid expressing his thoughts, for * fear of not being understood. "It is very wrong," he tells us, "not to appear to conšider as serious the childish questions that the little one asks on every occasion. "By not replying to them, or by doing so in an ofthand way, we make them conscious of 'the weakness of their intellect, and their lack of importance from a moral standpoint. “We must not be astonished that some timorous natures feel, themselves of so little 3 ·36 TIMIDITY + “When a child finds a word difficult to pronounce, the master should make him 'repeat it slowly, and frequently. “Children often pronounce certain syllables imperfectly. The best means should be em- - played, from the first, to teach them how to overcome these little faults. "Let us acknowledge that these slight defects are oftéa cimply due to laziness on the part of it the child, and the negligence of his parents, who are indifferent to them." We must not lose sight of the fact that one of the most efficacious means of correcting this is eloquence. Many cases of confirmed timidity originate solely in difficulty of utterance. People who have not formed the habit of expressing themselves clearly; when young—those whose passing thoughts do not take a definite form--are paralyzed by the difficulty they experience in attempting to express themselves They feel that they are inferior in arguing and in speech. Their thoughts, illy formed, care exprest premiaturely, and their embarrassment increases in proportion as they feel the imposșibility of expressing themselves. This often causes hesitation, which generally ( ·V HOW TO PREVENT TIMIDITY 197 leads to the unfortunate habit of stammering. If a person who feels himself, in danger of forming this bad habit does not struggle hard to overcome the tendency, he will, without doubt, become timid, for the mortification' that he yould undergo would render lim apprehensive of more trouble. "It often happens that those unaccustomed 'from their infancy to choosing words wilich will express their thoughts properly, think of several expressions when they begin to speak, and, hesi) tating which one to use, commende a word, only to begin another, being undecided which one to employ. “This results in people oftexa expressing their thoughts so illy that they may be interpreted as offensive, or even contrary to the intended meaning. “We can not insist too strorrgly," says Yoritomo, “on the importance of the following rule: “Force the young to think clearly before they speak. "Tenacious timidity often driginates solely in a bashfulness that comes over one in the middle of a sentence, causing the rest of the sentence to be forgotten. "Equivocal words, do not express a definite 3 ) ·38'. TIMIDITY thought; they either "escape one's mind, or so many inappropriate words come to mind at once, that the stammering speaker «hesitātes, 'not knowing which one to select, and, covered with confusion, his thought dwindles until it escapes hir entirely. “Oratorical debates between master and child are indispensable in cultivating skill in argumeiit. "At a later period, when students are brought Defore learned men to take examinations, thase having had the advantage of such an education will readıly fake the lead, for, knowledge being equal, those who are able to state their view's clearly, and express them eloqụently, will be chosen as the favorite pupils." In modernizing the thought of the savant one is forced to agree with him in thinking that success in an examination depends, note so much on the actual knowledge one candidate possesses, as 'on the fluent style of his thesis. Many careers are closed to the timid, because of their inability to conquer their difficulty when confronted, by examiners, who consequently thought that they knew nothing A well-recognized phenomena that afflicts the timid is spontaneous bluşhing, which, continų.

·HOW TO PREVENT TIMIDITY '39 ) ally mounting to their cheeks in warm waves, marks them for the notice they go inuch fear. This is very difficult to cure, because it is to apprehension itself that blushing is due. A timid person rarely blushes when alone, înless recalling something that made him blush. In which case the recollection of this episode infallibly results in this sign of confusion' re- 'turning Nevertlleless, the blush will not' appear when the timid person feels that no one is looking at lim The attack comes on solely because he says to himself, “I am going to, blush,” for he especially fears the deductions • people might draw from this repeated blushing. Once again Yoritomo, after having pointed out the evil, suggests a remedy. “It is well,” says he, “to check the propensity to blush'suddenly, which afflicts some young people, as soon as it appears. These blushes, which are usually produced by nervousness, are generally caused because the timid 'person is conscious of having them, and that infallibly brings them on. "I employed the means I am about to narrate to cure one of my young relatives of blushing. > ) ·40' TIMIDITY “This method requires practise and perseverance on the part of educators, but it is infallible. “Among, my near relations is a young woman who is a model of virtue, "However, all her good qualities were weakened by her great timidity, which caused her to blush on every occasion, tho she could give no reason for it. "One dày, when she was present, the conver- ' sation happened to be about a young, daimio #noble), one of her friends, and her face turned purple, without any caese. "Her mother, having unfortunately spoken to her about it, the young woman was most distrest, thinking that her name might be connected with that of the daimio on account of this causeless blush. "From that day she lived in fear lest she would do it again. This fear led to the distressing idea that people might suspect her of having thoughts she never entertained. "This led her to tremble and blush with fear whenever she imagined his name would 'be' mentioned in the conversation. "Her efforts to cure herself of this constant emotion were unavailing, owing to her timidity, and at last her health became impaired 0 C ·TIMIN HOW TO PREVENT TIMIDITY 41 ៗ . "She confided in me, and I undertook to cure her. “I begal, when we two were alone, to pronounce the name of the daimio unexpectedly, and her cheeks became purple. I let this crisis pass by, and after a quarter of an hour, I began again. I continued this until the attacks, which had gradually become less violent, ceased for > that day. “The pext day I began again, after congratulating her on the success of the previous day. “After several days this fear diminished, and she did not blush so often. When 'the blush appeared I pretended not to see it, and the young woman, convinted that it would no longer be noticed, gradually became cured of this particular emotion." This is a method that seems very efficacious, and it should be successful, for timidity will always diminish if the occasions that produce it be skilfully repeated, until they cease to cause surprize, for the timid apprehend the unexpected.' “One should make it a point,” says the venerable Nippon, "to cure the timid person of fear, which, if not conquered at once, will always increaşe So much so, that to avoid the returni ) ·4% TIMIDITY ( ( с of .his bashfulness,' lie habitually avoids every occasion that will make him conspicuous. "He becomes accustomed to taking an obscure place, not so much through modesty as through mistrust of himself, and the fear of being timid makes him so At a very early age, says the philosopher, "children should also be taught to struggle with the problems of existence “How often in life will they be obliged to decide quickly, and well. “They can' not become accustomed toe early to the consideration of the thousand and one little daily problems which they will evade,ʻor magnify, according to the trend of their minds. "It is always wise to let them take the initiative in such decisions. Stop arguing the question with them, if it presents difficulties beyond their comprehension. "Another fault that very often Inakes people timid, is that of exacting that children shall be perfect “Besides, this makes them rebellious,ʻor indifferent, and it almost always results in conscientious people becoming timid, for they despair of ever reaching the required goal, lose courage, and mistrust themselves.

·HOW TO PREVENT TIMIDITY '43 3 > > 5 1 "We must not labor under a delusion," says Yoritomo. This is not due to pride; it is a sentiment that. surely springs from, 'a praiseworthy thought, but which nearly always interferes with the growth of the noble energy which should be the companion, and inspiration of earnest effort." Another cause of timidity in children is 'the consciousness of a real, or an imagináry, afiliction; for many parents erroneously think that thoy are rendering a service to their little ones' in belittling, in their presence, the advantages that nature has bestowed on them. , *In fact, if there is a real defect the educator should do all he can'to make the afflicted persons consider it of not much consequence, if only for the purpose of keeping them from mistrusting themselves, 'a positive cause of inferiority. If, on the contrary, the defect revealed consists solely in making them'feel that they have no claims to good looks-whether this be true or noi_simply for the purpose of preventing 'them from possibly becoming yain, still it, too, may have disastrous consequences. Besides, beauty is a power. To pay no attentiğn to it, or to deny is, is to deprive the child $ > ·TIMIDITY of å redoubtable weapon in the future combat of life Is it not more judicious to let him recognize this force, while at the same time suppressing vality that might, at a later date, create unfortunate antipathies by inclining him to become presumptuous ? Timişlity is too often confounded with reservé. A reserved person is conscious of his Tvorth, and of his resources, which he concentrates, instead, of scattering to the four winds. Reserva is a force, timidity, a weakness; and success belongs to the strong.

·LESSON III TIMIDITY AND EXAGGERATED SELF- CONFIDENCE "EXTREMES," as Yoritomo teaches 125,0''sometimes start from the same point; but, while in the first case the desired end is not attained, in the second, it is decidedly overreached. "This is why one so often sees timid persons energing from their mental seclusion, andwhen under the influence of violent emotions such as anger; hatred, or love going to extremes which a well-balanced man would never dream of. "The reason of this anomaly is, that timidity being the lack of mental equilibrium, he who is obliged to make a special effort in order to express his sentiments by acts or gestures unfamiljar, to him, loses sight of the consequences of his acts, because he is not accustomed to express his feelings.” This simple and profound definition explains the attitude of many timid persons, whose acts, 45 ·40 TIIDITY € >> on, certain occasions are more daring than those of men of well-balanced minds. Furthermore, the timid usually ntirse but one thought, which they communicate to do onc. They do not perceive the gradual changes it undergoes, and thus they becom. accusiomed to the new forms it assumes step by step, and adoýt it in its wildest transformation. "If'arly one," says Yoritomo, favere to cont fine his thoughts forever to the bud just formed, the bud would grow to be a large flower before he would observe its growth, and transformation.' So it is with the timid person, who keeps his thoughts to himself, and ultho concentrating his attention on them sufficiently' to become absorbed by them, does not perceive that they are gradually changing. "put,”, one asks, "How is it, that in ‘Energy in 12 Lessons', concentration is sc greatly extulled, and here it seems to be censured ?” The answer is, that the concentration which is the source of cnergy resembles only in name the kind cultivated by the timid. The energetic man concentrates his thoughts so that he can rivet his attention on the objec- (tions, or the reasons which lead him to enter- ( ·EXAGGERATED CONFIDENCE * tain or reject à proposition";• the timid man, on the contrary, permits ideas over which he exercises no control, and which are, in fact, often antagonistic to each other, to sink into his mind, and as his defect prevents him froni' asking any one's advice, he llas no means of modifying his views. Thus, by insidious degrees, which it is mipossible for him to discover, he may 'entertain sentimento more pronounced than he is aware of.. “Solitude,” continuesɔ the philosopher, "retards the flight of thought, which revolves round itself instead of soaring, untrameled.” This explains the tendency whịch timid persons have toward love of the marvelous. Being little more than observers of events in which their defect precludes their taking part, they comment on these occurrences 'to themselves, and unconscibusly enlarge them, and shape theme as they wish. “Then I was a child," he adds, “I was 'confined to my room for a long time with a severe Illness. I was forbidden to read, and the only amjisemont I had was looking at the objects round,me. The designs on a screen especially arrested 111.3 > ·t cu 48 TIMIDITY my attention on account of the clusters of flowcrs, and the hundles of reeds. "I passed hours studying them. Suddenly I saw the outlines of cyeş, but nothing more except a harmonions reproduction of naturc. "But, by degrees, the clusters of flowers became gardens, the reeds took on the imposing aspect of a forest In the gardens my imagina-, tion placed a princess, and in the forest, warriors. “And now my tale began. Every nely line I discovered became a pretext for me to create a personage. It was not long before tre princess was captured by a giant --Whom I saw-a-arfd the warriors advanced to deliver her. Every day a pauorama of personages passed before me, and varied the incidents in the story. "The absession became so strong that I spoke , of it in such a way that my parents were quite anxious. The screen was removed, and a few days later when they showed it to me again I only say what was painted on it. "But the timid do not narrate the vagaries of their inner vision and, no one being able to guess the romance of the princess, they are not set right, and so continue to see the princess ·EXAGGERATED CONFIDENCE 49 und the warriors where there are only sketches of leaves ara flowers. "It often happens that this affection of the will, which is the commencement of timidity, seems like a great brilijancy; for the timid person is often asiamed of himself, and fears ridicule so much that bad archer that he is he shoots his arrows beyond the target, through fear of not reaching it.” This is a very usual case, and is, especially applicable to timid persons who feel that they must play an important part. The effort to make, oneself conspicuous is very great, for it must be constant, and consequently not natural to the timid, who are devoid of will. In order to satisfy this desire, the timid person, not having been able to force himself to the front by assuming a steady aptitude, is obliged to greatly exaggerate the facts which he wishes to make convincing. Neither should we forget that as timidity checks the vill-power, no coherent and decided action can proceed from it, butone is sure to see actions of a somewhat explosive nature. These explosions are often the result of a forrend of thoughts and contradictory resolu- ·50 TIMIDITY tions, which the timid person has permitted to surge up within himself, but has no esprest "Water' confined in a vase hermetically sealed,' says Yoritomo,'' may boil a long while without any one perceiving it, but at last it breaks the vase and spills over. Just so is i: with the timid, who, having been represt, espand, through lack of self-contrdi, and break, forth in riotousness they are unable to control.” The vagaries which we listen to with a smile often spring from no other cause, and as it is impossible to prevent the vase from exploding and thereby' permitting the water to escape, iso it is useless for'a timid person to attempt to suppress his foolish presumptuousness, which he exhibits on all occasions, just as tho he were tipsy. And, in fact, it is a kind of intoxication. Emotion is a disorder that increases because the person subject to it feels that it is observed, and «hat It may be made the object of ridicule, and therefore he wishes to confoping the chaffers, which facts cause emotion to pass, through the two extremes of depression and exaltation, which give him, for the moment, the < feeling of independence of will. We must not forget that the tiraid person has ( ·EXAGGERATED, CONFIDENCE ..51 1. not full control over his muscles, and that they efforts he'is obliged to make to briŋg them into subjection 2-unless he be accustomed to make these efforts-may lead to a disorder which often takes the form of exaggeration nearly approaching presumption. As we shall see in the chapter which treats of timidity in regard to health, the timid person is almost alýays tortured by the desire so lie. Sometimes these frequent lies are the direct' result of a desire which haunts inany timid persons, of viewing thepiselves from two different standpoints. • The person whose valiant deeds they recount is so far away, and different from them, that they do not feel they are breaking through their own reserve in making use of this fictitious personage. However, as the timid person is a weakling, the intoxioation quickly spreads through his brain, and he indulges in flights of imagination which cause those who listen to him to doubt his word. ) This usually makes him presumptious. For the timid person is always sensitive: No sooner does he see the smile of doubt on the lips of his listeners than he becomes very 3 ·524 TIMIDITY < angry, and tries to convince them he is telling the truth, by, piling up arguments peli-mell, which he considers will prove his argument, and exaggerating his statements in proportion as he realizes the difficulty of forcing people to believe his statements. Sometimes he, himself, feels the absurdity of his assertions, but not having the intellectual grasp fecessary for beating an lionorable retreat, instead of acknowledging himself vanquished he'clings tenaciously to his improbable views, and becomes so' pissatisfied with himself that he flies into a passion which increases to the point of doing personal harm to those le can not convince When the incoherent ideas permit the timid person to remain conscient, his rambling remarks become extremely confused, but he considers it due to his self-respect to accentuate them, instead of smilingly admitting that his exaggerated statements had not illustrated his point. Another cause why the timid are presumptuous is, that in their hearts, they all desire to remain unknown; most of them have two egos; one that people scarcely know-for. they are very guarded in their confidences; and tlie C 0 ;

·EXAGGERATED' CONFIDEN •53 BENCE 3 cther which they find easier to show to the world, for they know they are shanming, and this knowledge gives them the same assurance that a mask gives to those whose features are hidden by it. “I know,"pays Yoritomo, "a young man who was exceedingly timid. One day he confided in mė, as follows: I feel within me a second ego, very different from the first. ""One of them, the one which people know, makes me suffer tortures on account of my awkwardness, and the constant embarrassment I experience from the uneasy state of mind and the apprehension in which I live in consequence of it. “This ego. I wish to expel, altho it is the only one visible to the world. "The other, 'ego,' 'my real Self' is hercic. 'There is no act worthy of our bravest Samourais that it could not accomplish; it is generous, firm, brilliant; it commands admiration from every one on every occasion. "However, when this "ego' which is so sincere and so animated, tries to come to the front, hidden forces oblige it to remain in the back. aground.

·54' 1 TIMIDITY "After making a prodigious effort I succeeded in expelling this ego, but I was distrest to see that these poble sentiments, great bravery, and high and generous impulsos originated in absurd preſumptuousness, which discovery plunged me in despair which it was impossible for me to curb, or guide." I'was obliged to hunt through the manuscripts a long while before finding the conclusion of this, anecdote. And here is what I read on a page which I think must have been written some months later: “It is with much interest that I am following the progress which Li-Hang-Tho is making toward gaining poise, and ultimate equilibrium. Under the influence of my advice his dual personality begins to disappear, and blend into a sort of intellectual unity, in which voluntary motions are gradually replacing automatic gestures. "I prophesy the dày will come when all paradoxical manifestations will cease, thanks to the supremacy, of energy, and the power of centrating the will, which, if carefully cultivated, will enable this young man to avoid the physical agory that afflicts the timid. For, being relieved from this constraint, he is, even' C CON- { ·3 EXAGGERATED CONFIDENCE 055 now, beginning to get coiftrol over his nerves - and to guard himself against fits of presumptuousness, faults to be deplored, as they all · place him in an equally, false light. It sometimes happens that people are presumptuous without křoving it. The timid person, owing to his defect, is not well informed regarding the ordinary events of life, and as soon as he attempts to describe them, le has•the same propensity as a child, of viewing them in tho light of the marvelous. He also is like a child, in seeing an incident in the most ordinary facts. His life, necessarily very limited-mentally ,at least, because he avoids every, occasion of bringing himself to the front-has not made him indifferent to the thousan, and one anxieties, or the little daily. ’happenings, for his 'character has kept him · aloof from these slight jars whicil end in a smile. He makes everything a subject for thought, or enthusiasm. Should we be astonished that his nervous system presents so many incongruities? Certainly not. For his isolation, prevents him from cultivating politeness in his discussions. If he were more acustomed to dealing with .

·6 C 54" TIMIDITY al "After making a prodigious effort I succeeded in expelling this ego, but I was distrest to see that these poble sentiments, great bravery, and high and generous impulsos originated in absurd precumptuousness, which discovery plunged me in despair which it was impossible for me to curb, or guide." I was obliged to hunt through the manue scripts a long while before finding the conclusion of this, anecdote. And here is what I read on a page which I think must have been written some months later: “It is with much interest that I am following the progress which Li-Hang-Tho is making toward gaining poise, and ultimate equilibrium. Under the influence of my advice his dual personality begins to disappear, and blend into a sort of intellectual unity,ʻin which voluntary motions an gradually replacing automatic gestures. *I prophesy the dåy will come when all paradoxical manifestations will cease, thanks to the supremacy, of energy, and the power of concentrating the will, which, if carefully cultivated, will enable this young man to avoid the physical agory that afflicts the timid. For, being relieved from this constraint, he is, even' c t ·EXAGGERATED CONFIDENCE .57 only fears other people, but himscht, and the, remembrance of his ridiculous adventure, which he recalls, and amplifies continually, increases his desire for solitude in which to hide his confusion. At this point, it would be of incalculable value Por him were he to come across some one who would sustain him, console him, and at the same , time show him how to view things in their proper perspective, and who would also, in a way, lead him toward the equilibrlum which renders life placid and harmonious. Dramatic scenes, and great events are fortunately, rare in the small occurrences which go to make up our existence. Our lives consist, with few exceptions, in gray incidents which, from time to time, joy tints , rose-color, and which, grief temporarily dyes black. Happy are those who can live a long series of years in the soft gray in which good intentions, reasonable ambition, the love of the duties belonging to their station in life have gathered »round them, like a nimbus, the colors of hope and the aureole of success. > ·LESSON IV | TIMIDITY THE ENEMY OF HEALTH TIDIIDITY has many characteristic physiological «results. "It often has," says Yoritomo, "ą, very bad effect on the health, for the emotions to which the timid are subject are likely to endanger the bodily health. “When developed sufficiently to cause the muscles to move at the cuprices of the nerves, the result is a contraction, the repercussion often having disastrous effects. "This contraction of the muscles makes the, patient more timid, increases his bashfulness, and always results in his stammering, which, iu very nervous pasple, and especially in neglected children, soon amounts to a serious defect. "Let its take note that persons so afflicted press their lips together tightly, in proportion to the hold that their natural timidity has taken con them. & { 58, ·THE ENEMY OF HEALTH 59 “Under, the pressure ot' sentiments, among them the silent force we have just 'mentioned, the face and mouth muscles twitch in an uncontrollable manner. "To these physical causes must be added the mental confusibn which makes the patient all the more embarrassed when making unsuccess- ,ful attempts to enunciate distinctly. "If the timid person does not take care he' will soon be handicapped, and completely discomfited by this new phase of embarrassment, that overcomes him whenever he attempts to speak. "The timid person, as we have already said, is, from the vexy nature of his defect, isolated; but he who is afflicted with stammering at last dreads all occasions that might cause him to display his infirmity. “We also often see that stammerer's become afflicted with hypochondria, which may be traced to the beginning of their timidity. "There are many ways of curing skammering, and good results have been obtained from each, but the best way, the only infallible way, is by, exercising a firm will, supported by energy. “Now this is just what the timid lack, and That is why those whồ try to cure them must ?

·6 { C 60 TIMIDITY be' more than patient and persevering, and determined. "For no matter hoty efficacious be the treatment employed, it will not of itself succeed in curing the patient of his timidity which depresses him, and also makes it impossible for him to struggle successfully against himself. "It is against himself that the timid must be 'especially protected, and this must be accomplished before attempting to restorc him to health-in other words, to a mental state t'nat will ensure bodily health. It is also necessary to forearm liįm against the frequent attacks of timidity that would interfere with the efforts made to cure him. "Energetic action does more than any treatment to cure stammering, "It is especially important to persuade the patient wat he can, if he will, get rid of this serious inconvenience. "Its cure depends more on the patient than on any assistance from without, we must admit, and this fact should be made clear to him. "He skould ke made to feel thorough confidence in the person attempting to cure him. "This is certainly one of the most delicate and difficult parts of the underta'zing, fur frond ·THE ENEMY OF HEALTH 01 the very nature of his defect, the patient is not apt to be communicative. "He is usually inclined to lie, and on the rare occasions he holds forth he generally relates facts in such a way as to distort the truth. "This, as we have remarked several times, originates in his desire to play a rôle. His disposition prevents him from acting as his imagination prompts, and thereby showing Kissworth ; but he has done these things so often in his thoughts that it almost seems to him that he has actually done them. ,' ** These partial lies are nearly alprays told regarding events he has witnessed, 'and in which his timidity has prevented him from taking the part he would have liked. "From that fact, -to thinking that he actually did what he had decided to do, and that he had spoken the words he dared noto utter, there is only the difference between what we call a lie and what he calls stretching the truth. "He narrates as a fact a thing he had fully deterihired to do. That is all "The timid person, as we have seen, owing to mental isolation, cultivates and matures extreme, views, which remain unmodified because he is denied the advaptage of discussing them.

·C 6L TIMIDITY Ş“On the 'rare occasions when he is communicative, he is not slow to set up his opinions for standards, no one having convinced nim of their worthlessness and their puerility. "I had a friend, adds the philosopher, "who, tho a very able man, was: misunderstood by nearly every one, because he was so timia that only his most intimate friends knew him sufficiertly well to appreciate him. “For after leaving a gathering in which he had failed to do himself credit, he always reviewed the chases of the argument, blaming himself før having lacked the courage to make the replies that came to his lips when alone, aid also for not having spoken the repartee which he thought of now that his mind worked freely. “Besides, he did not consider that he was telling a real lie when, in narrating what had taken place at the meeting the previous evening, he had stated as facts the learred opinions, tie broad points of view, and the brilliant replies' which he actally thought of, but had not exprest, ofing to his timidity. “One day, wishing to cure him of this defecto which belittled him in my eyes, I tried to prove to him that at the meeting in which he pretended having played a brilliant part, he had iz ( + ·3 fol-" 1 1 THE ENEMY OF HEALTH, "63.' reality remained silent; and he replied as , lows; 'It is true, that I said nothing, but having had all these thoughts," and most everything I said having been very personal, I feel justied in speaking as 2 do.' This very reasonable observation was summed -up most appropriately in the last contury in the following expression, "The spirit of the stairway." For in fact it is only on the stairs, in other words,"out of sight of the people whoso presence paralyses him, that the timid person's mind works freely. There it is that he reviews phases of the interviety, being very much distrest to think he had appeared so dull as to merely, dream what he intended to say; for being now relieved ' from restraint he forms opinions and thoughts, and readily finds words with which to clothe them. If an appropriate phrase, a convirring argument, or a brilliant' repartee occurs to him, he regrets still more that he did not speak out. But as these words really embody his own thoughts he has no scruples in appropriating them, and evěy fondlinig them, and, on the rare II.4 3 ·( 1 68 TIMIDITY occasions then lie breaks through his extreme reserve, her boasts, in good faith, that he exprest these sentiments; 'never thinking that the people who were present aną, knew that lic had rcmained silent would feel like accusing him of deception. “A timid person,” says Yoritomo, "is gifted with fine perceptive faculties, but this profits chini nóthing, because owing to his defect, le does not generalize on what he observesc “Many of the timid, however, who are unable to make theinselves telt in any other ways, have left very remarkable manuscripts. “But these are exceptional instances, for the disposition accompanying® timidity inclines tủe patient, when far from public gaze, to magnify his impressions, making it very difficult for him, when writing, to separate facts from fancy. Ito would be curious to examine from this point of view the works which have come down to us written hy historiaus who have devoted their lives to settling historical questions. “The ḥabit of amplifying and exaygérating facts when narrating them generally originates with the timid when they attempt to express their own deductions and their own naided arguments."

·THE ENEMY OF HEALTH 65 Many timid persons are subject 'to cerebral affections ; ; a great many also suffer from headaches which are specially likely to begin as soon as the patient awakens.,, “These distressing symptoms can be traced to the contraction of the contributory nerves, making the patient more misanthropic, and annihilating the little will-power he would otherwise have had. Excessive timidity produces troubles which are first cousins to insanitya In proof of this we hear of timid persons who, when crossing over a space, were once so overcome by a feeling of loneliness, and of lack .of protection, that they suffered ,excruciatingly, and dreaded placing themselves in a position likely to bring a return of these distressing symptoms At length it becomes a physical impossibility for them to overcome this fear, and whenever they cross an open space they stand still, tremble, and can not muster courage enough to conquer their fears. If some one be with them the spell;is at once broken, and they feel at ease when a relative or an old friend is by their side.. There are other simid persons who, when ·( 64 TIMIDITY oceasions when he breaks through his extreme reserve, herboasts, in good faith, that he exprest these sentiments; 'never thinking that the people, who were present aną, kuew that he had re-i mained silent would feel like accusing him of deception. "A timid person, says Yoritomo, "is gifted with fine, perceptive faculties, but this profits uimí nothing, because owing to his defect, he does not generalize on what he observes. “Many of the timid, however, who are unable' to make themselves felt in any other' ways, have left very remarkable manuscripts. “But these are exceptional instances, for the disposition accompanying® timidity inclines the patient, when far from public gaze, to magnify, his impressions, making it very difficult for him, when writing, to separate facts from fancy. Ito would be curious to examine from this point of view the works which have come down to us written by historians who have devoted their lives to settling historical questions. "The ļabit of amplifying and exaggerating facts whàn narrating them generally originates with the timid when they attempt to express their own deductions and their on uraided arguments." f ·> THE ENEMY OF HEALTH 65 Many timid persons are subject to cerebral affections; a, great many also suffer from headaches which are specially likely to begin as soon as the patient awakens.,, "These distressing symptoms can be traced to the contraction of the contributory nerves, making the patient more misanthropic, and annihilating the little will-power he wculd otherwise have had. Excessive timidity produces troubles which are first cousins to insanity In proof of this we hear of timid persons who, when crossing over a space, were once so overcome by a feeling of loneliness, and of lack of protection, that they suffered excruciatingly, and dreaded placing themselves in a position likely to bring a return of these distressing symptoms At length it becomes a physical impossibility for them to overcome this fear, and whenever they cross an open space they stand stili, tremble, and can not muster courage enough to conquer'their fears. If some one be with them the spell is at once broken, and they feel at ease when a relative or an old friend is by their side., There are other imid persons who, when ·( 66 TIMIDITY wrịting, håve writer's cramp as soon as any one looks at them.. Their fingers coxtract on holding the pen, and their wrists become rigid, in fact their entire arm becomes numb so tliat they can not write. As soon as no one observes them tkese distressing symptoms disappear; they suffer no more pain, their wrists regain their suppleness, and they are able, to oprite for some time without fatigue. There are also a few timid persons who become paralysed with fright at the thought of eating before strangers. Their mánia originates in the exaggerated regard they have for the opinion of others, which slowly merges into a fear of being ridiculed. The mere fact of their thinking the gestures used in eating are not esthetic makes them wish to absent themselves from the table when others. are present. As time progresses this mania, like all the others, produces maladies known as phobies which are, alas! very closely related to madness. “Another cause," says Yoritomo, “hich is destructive to the health of the timid, is the palpitations that habitually accompany their attacks, sometimes resulting in seriously, disturbing their physical well-being. 0 ·$ 1 THE ENEMY DF HEALTH 67 "As these troubles are usually accompanied' by shortness of breath, and contraction of the muscles their repercussion on the 'heart may be disastrous." And in adjition to these well-vouched for Statements, he makes a remark which does honor to his subtle knowledge of the human heart, "May the 'Being who directs the universe," says he, 'preserve the timid from illness, for their secretiveness holds them aloof' from those who might be able to cuze them. “A timid person dares not speak 'of liis ailnlent so as to give a doctor a clear idea of what the real trouble is. "And he will even conceal it entirely if it be situated in certain parts of his body. “Neither has he sufficient energy to follow .. the treatment necessary to effect à cure, or at least he is not persistent in carrying it out. "If a timid person be forced to make a decision, he puts it off from day to day, until the evil has progressed so far that it is difficult to » check. "I knew a man who lived in a house situated on the edge of a large swamp. He devoted himstlf to metaphysical studies, and this, but separating him from the world, was the origin . > 2 ·0 68 TIMIDITY of à timidity that almost amounted to an !. ness. “The effluvia that arose from that stagnant marsh in, the late autuxın had slowly undermincd his health, and he had an attack of pan fever nearly every day. "After some time I chanced to see him again, and' I was so struck with the charge that had (come over nim that I used all my influence to induce him to consult a physician. "The physician's' only command was, as' I thought, for him to mdve away and live in a healthier locality. “The duties of war haying called me away about this time, 'I left him, after making him promise to obey the doctor's orders. "I regretted to see that the thought of changirg Iris residence was most distressing to his timid nature. In fact, he was somewhat frightened at the thought that he would have to make decisions, bestir himself and give orders. “On my return, the following year, I had the misfortune to find him dying, and he confided to me what hade prevented him from leaving the abode which was to become his tomb. Io said it was because he was too''bashful to, take the necessary steps to install Limself anew. ( ·1 ! THE ENEMY OF HEALTH :69 He had not dared to look for another place,, being paralyses with fear at the thought of the necessary discussions that would arise; and he had been so greatly disturbed at the thought of arranging to have his manuscripts removed that he put it off from day to day hoping that on the following day he would feel sufficient energy to undertake all these things which seemed to him so overwhelming. “A short time after this he died, a victim of, the timidity which had made him lead a miserable existence, apsl at last caused his death. ""This defect, as it regards health, amounts to a real crime when'it affects, in a more or less degree, the health of other people. “We see children suffering in consequence of their parents hesitating to tell the doctors of certain disorders, because they are in parts of the body which they feel ashamed' to mention. “Other little ones have contracted serious illnesses because their parents have taught them to be ashamed' to ask for the advice necessary in attending to nature's needs. "No one can tell how many timid, persons there •are, for they are usually overlooked.

·C ( ra TIMIDITY {"The doctors merely state officially that such a person djed of such a malady, but they rarely trace the illness to its origin; and yet there is an axiom in therapeutics which no doctor should forget, which is, “That before attempting to cure the evil, the cause must, be ascertained and removed; and this is the only successful method of procedure.' To illustrate this the philosopher tells us one of his anecdotes, which give zest to hiş precepts. “There was a man," he says, “who owned some rice-fields whick, he inherited from his father. “One day he noticed that the darnel had made its appearánce on his land, and he made it his business' to cut the weeds down. "But the field was quite large and it took him a great many days; in fact so long that when he thậught his task finished he noticed that the weeds had begun to grow again in the part of the field in which they had been first cut down. "So he began over again, but this time instead of půlling up the darnel by the roots, thereby running the risk of uprooting some of the rice plants, he cut it down, and so it multiplied more rapidly than before. "It soon spread so fast, that the good grain C t C 0 ·if they - THE ENEMY OF HEALTH 471 was smothered, and there was scarcely mpre than a fer feet of green to be seen., "It was a very scanty crop, and the following year the noxious weeds-their roots'not having been dug out and burned—had multiplied to such an extent and were so thrifty that there kvas not space enough for a single grain of rice. “Many people resemble the man in this apecdote; they realize the danger and tale active measures to prevent it, but having neglected to ascertain the causes, or even know them, taking no means to suppress them, tho their efforts seem to be intelligently directed, the evil continues to grow to such proportions that it, is impossible to extirpate it;, for it has permeáted the entire system just as the darnel covered the entire fields. “Regarding timidity, it is indispensable to ascertain its causes. "Most physical ailments have mental origin. "Therefore no stone should be left unturned to combat not the malady itself-wllich, unless it be very acute, will cure itself as soon as the causes that produced it be removed.—but the sources of the illness which, by taking patient and energetic measures will also soon be re- , Ihoved. A ·There TIMIDITY . 3 rTimidity, as everyone knows, precludes physical exertion, and it is an indeliable fact that a determination to get well is the printipal requisite in regaining one's health. "To uproot evil is good, but to prevent it is better; and since timidity caises so many physical inconveniences, it must be overcome, in order to realize that first requisite for bappiness-a sane mind in a healthy body."

·LESSON V v . TIMIDITY AND, FAMILY LIFE "It is a remarkable fact, says Yoritomo Tashi, "that it is the daimios (nobles) whose timidity prevents them from distinguishing themselves in the genroin, (senate), or in the sanjun (state council) who are most feared by their families. It would seem as tho, when with people who put them at their ease, they give vent to their anger, caused by realizing to that a disadvantage they appear when in public. “They are especially fond of making excuses 'for themselves and in' venting on others the ill humor caused by the vexations inherent in their defect. “If humiliated in public they return home in a page and make every one miserable “Their dissatisfaction with themselves makes them so irritable that no one scan stånd them, and they usually let it out in the bosom of their families. "For as the timid person is always lacking • 73 ·1974 C TIMIDITY * in will-power, it is impossible for lim to control himself sufficiently to avoid these outbursts, which he visually deplores. "I said 'usually,' thothe often does not care. "Some timid persons, when, at home, are púrposely violent, for their minds being dwarfe] by lack of volition, they mistake these demonstrations for courage. "When with those belonging to them, and with whom they consequently feel at their'ease, they try to indemnify themselves for the passive and inferior position they are obliged to assume before strangers. “The effrontery, židicule, and veiled sarcasmi of the latter, act as so manye stimulants inducing the timid to regain a good opinion of themselves, and to boast that they possess the qualities they consider the most desirable, in other words, firmness and decision, “But we can not repeat too often that the timid-being especially devoid of will-powerhas no mental poise, and therefore he neadily transformç the qualities he only perceives in a one-sided 'way, into intolerable vices." Many centuries after Yoritomo lived, Nietzsche spoke of reticence, an affliction 'pecula, liar to the timid. 1 ·ITY TIMIDIT AND FAMILY LIFE It is in the family life that this sentimentiis exhibited in its most trying form. The timid person is not in touch with the members of his family, no matter how much he loves them. The fear of being awkward makes him dread Weing demonstrative, and often when his heart is melting with tenderness, he would feel, so embarrassed were it to be seen, that he avoids showing any marks of affection in his family. Too often, by making a brusque gestule, le stops short an exhibition of ffection which he has not the courage to return as his leart prompts. Should we feel suprized if the members of his family, chilled by what they consider indifference, gradually imitate him and become less demonstrative, as they find their advances awaken no echo in his heart? And so the timid person entrenches Wimself every day within the fortress of his infirmity, and grows more lonely and more misunderstood. His lack of the sentiment of protecting others -Such a strong family tie--110$ only affects him, but his family also. Children, who are quick to perceive the outwald signs of courage and 'decision, gradually .Lose the respect they should have for the head ·+ ; ( TIMIDITY of the family; for they do not consider this avkward, embarrassed and fieşitáring man qualified to conduct them through life. They imagine that he would be vanquished by the first obstruction, and drag them down with him. Young persons, those l'easonlng powers are not fully developed, do not state this fact clearly as I have done; nevertheless, children do not look up to the timid head of a family, and by degrees they divest him of all right to command. How can 'he regain the control lie should exercise over his children when the question comes up of choosing their vocation, or how can he preserve them from the pitfalls of adolescence ? The most usual result, and one to be deeply deplored.c-is that it makes children—their im pulsiveress being represt by coldness---confide, in strangers It frequently happens that through lack of experience they fall into the hands of unreliable advisors whose counsels are often peruicfous. But even when their friends are well chosen the family unity is none the less broken, for unity of thoight, which prospers on the mutual 'interests, mutual remembrances, similar te, ( ·IT LIFE TIMIDITY AND FAMILY LIFE sponsibilities, reciprocal affection, which constitute the basis of family life, are always obliterated when an outside influence, no matter how good it may be, strikes a strange note in the symphony of family life. "On the sidd of a quill that protects the city from the north winds, there was,” says Yoritomo, "a spot where I loved to rest after the fatigue of giving orders. "There. the convolvulus wound itself so tightly round the branches of the old trees that scarcely a leaf could forze its way through the exuberant foliage of this vegetable parasite. *These trees, whose roots jutted out from the . hill here and there, were riy especial favorites. Their branches," lıke long arms, made good supports for the overhanging convolvulus which they seemed to display for our admiration, like . a superb and sparkling drapery. Org warne days the birds would nestle there and chirp. Even the weakest of these trees held itself erect under its royal garb. “Some of them were nearlyödead, not a drop 'of sap was left in them, and yet, they held themselves erect, thanks to the powerful braciñg given them by the supple filiaments which had at first, clung to them for protection, and now, > ·28 TIMIDITY ( C in their turn, gave them substantial support. “There were also other trees; more delicate, somewhat bent by the weight of the vine' which nearly touched the ground, and threw out tendrie toward the next tree of a stouter build, thus forming a dome of verduré which, on the following summer, I was pleased to see had grown thicker and more mysterious. “But one day just after a storm I was sorry to see that the moving dias of silk had been destroyed. “The weakest trunks had been split, and later broken off, and the delicate convolvulus which they had dragged down with them, encircled the feet of the traveler, and was so muddy, anů torn by insects as it lay on the ground that it looked like a mass of rags. “Other Trees, that, owing to their strength, or the interlocking of their supple branches,' had been able to withstand the storm, still gave their .gentle support to the graceful, burden whose fragile but exuberaột growth had been its safeguard. "This Geemede to me to be very symbolic of the family. "While family rule is firm and decided, Children lean on the persons representing 'it, 0 c.

·TIMIDITY AND FAMILY, LIFE 479 and if need be entwine themselves so closely round him as to hide his age and his decrepitude. “However, if the support be too weak to weather the storms of life, his defeat drags down those by whom he is surrounded: "The timid reserlile those trees which can neither give the necessary support to the frail convolvulus, nor derive the necessary support from it; having been overcome by the storms of life they drag down with them the vines they were unable to protect “It also often happens that children feeling that they are not protected as they should be, turn away from the head of the family, when he is vacillating arld of speak will-power, and lean on others whose.poise inspires them with a confidence which their natural protector has not been able to exert. "Nevertheless, no matter how salutary the influence of the outsider may be, it must always be regretted that it is not encouraged by him who should, in connection with the teacher, mold the soft wax of the youthful minds, his own offspring, so that in addition to acquired virtues they would be led to cultivate the virtues inherent in the family, which are best furthered by ręcalling the great deeds of one's ancestors. Tel.

·8091 ? TIMIDITY . Or even if one's ancestors have not played a prominent part in history they should be honored for their unselfishness, devotion, and the kindness they displayed within the family circle. "These noble deeds are all the more mcritorious because they are only szen ard appreciated by those near by, and they are all the more difficult to accomplish, for they do not call for brilliant effort, fostered and rewarded by pride and glory, but rather for constant endeavor under the shadow of obscurity, and a devotion the result of which is enly appreciated by the few persons who witness it. "These efforts, admired because they orig-- nate in the will and are accomplished by enery, are such as the life nobly livea exacts from every one who aspires to the distinction of being called a goal man. “Bul, as I have already said, strangers have no means of knowing these facts, and if tlie head of the family docs not instruct the children regarding them, even the essence of the family virtues will evaporate, and before long a disintegration will begin, slight at first, but nevertheless sufficient to modify the qualities that constitute the characteristic strength of this family."

·1 TIMIDITY AND FAMILY LIFE,.81 After these commentaries, so clearly set forth, it seems as tho one could add but little to the arguments of the ancient philosopher, Nippon ;- but let us hear what he has to say regarding marriage, and the choosing of a vocation; two acts upon which the happiness of the family usually hinges. "The timid person," says Shogun, "is rarely happy in his married life, he nearly always marries a woman chosen for him, instead of ond of his own choice. "He finds it so difficult to express his sentiments that he hesitates,' stammers, and is as awkward as possible, for he realizes. what an absurd impression he is making, and he is 'greatly pained when he sees, or thinks he sees, in the eyes of the young girl, or her parents to whom he is speaking, a derisive smile which completely disconcerts him. "A tirpid person rarely marries except through the intermediary of an obliging or an interested friend. Therefore, it often 'happens that he views the woman he has not chosen, and who can never understand him, with indifference if not with antipathy. “Quite often serious quarrels originate in a •misunderstanding which might have been easily ·82. TIMIDITY explained áway in the beginning. “But a timid berson has, no knack of saying conciliatory words; so he takes refuge in silence, which nearly always makes him brusque'or sulky, and so the quarrel grows day by day. "It had;” says Yoritomc, "a friend whose timidity drove him to despair. After making some attempts to cure himself, which were retarded by, the very nature of his defect, he conlided in me occasionally when he had, courage enough to open his heart. "In this way I learned how deeply he loved a daughter of the Samurai Thang-Hong. He had been captivatefl by her soft voice and her graca. ful bearing, which made the crudeness of her sister all the more conspicuous, for che resembled an amazon more than a charming young lady: "He even felt rather an aversion toward this sister,« Luíefore, he thought he would not like to be obliged to live in the family pf the girl he, had decided to marry. "What was my surprize, on returning from a journey, to find him married to this very, woman whosa he pretended to detest. "So I hunted nim up, and when we were alone I asked him to tell me what had caused this sudden change of feeling. € ·- TIMIDITY AND FAMILY, LIFE 83 “Alas, no change had taken place; he stifl loved, in sorrow and in secret, the woman of his choice, but never having had the courage to say so, the other sister, who was desperately in love with hin, mady such overtures to him that he had not the he hit to undeceive her regarding his own sentiments. "And so he led a joyless existence, between one woman he detested, and anotlier; who quite uncotisciously made him suffer greatly, for she lad married, and so my friend experienced all the tortures of jealousy." Love is almost always very nearly allied to suffering as far as the timid person is con- 'cerned, for he is beguiled by dreams-as he dare not express his views—which often plunges him in the deepest despair, caused by regrets. Because the timid head of the zily has suffered and is suffering daily from his defect it is especially necessary, for him to do everything in his power to prevent any ane velonging to Lim, from being so afflicted. Should he not feel equal to undertaking this cure himself, he ought to place the education of his children in the hands of a teacher able ..to 'develop in these young minds the qualities which are indispensable in the struggle of life;

·841 TIMIDITY á struggle which begins with our first lessons and only ends with life. The moral support of an enlightened master is especially necessary for the children of the timid father, who generally gives them but indifferent advice, and whose iudgment is rarelyt impartial. Ilis mental isolation, by causing him to live à life within himself, and which 110 ,one else knows anything about, often makes his' ideas impractical; but he will not admit that, they are not sound, he thinks them reasonable, and he is quite ready to criticise severely any on? who differs from Him There are also many circumstances in thick the child, grown to maturity, and fecling the necessity of seeking protection from outsiders, clings-40-ais teachers, and tries to make thiem take an interest in him, and seeks a calling that will give him the opportunity of practising the Imowledge he has gained, or of exercising his special proclivities, or he obtains introductions to peesons whose influence may facilitate his entrance into a certain career. "This is the moment,” says the philosopher, "puhen the head of the family should display devotion, solicitude, and tact, gifts that should ( ·1 1 TIMIDITY AND FAMILY LIFE.' 85 be posseșt by every one Daving charge of guido ing the midd.:) And he acids: “Only a father can show his son the imperceptible line, of demarcation that divides the aplomb of the upper classes of society from boldness, a very common fault in people who do not amount to much." Timidity in the master of the house is especi, ally unfortunate in family life, when the time comes to give the children. the orientation which will guide them in choosing a career. It is almost impossible to discern the real bias of young persons for they are very easthusiastic, and impulsive, and impressionable to both good and bad influences. Long talks indúce young people to be communicative, which makes them more willing to listen to advice, these talks also gradually invite confidence, and in fact they furnish every clue in ascertaining what vocation they should choose, for the knowledge that a parent should have regarding his children is a closed book to the timid, who have no gift for: gaining the confidence of the young. Should we be astonished if, under these circumstances, the young man, given over to his ·€ .88 TIMIDITY as just one of those little faults which people smile at aud say, "Man is not perfect!” As it is wearisome to struggle, and difficult to climb the hill, and as our attempts to affect a cure make but slow progress when aimed amiss by a vacillating with we sink again into a comfortable indifference, closely related to cowarding. But as the venerable Shogun says, this peace is not enjoyed by the timid. We are often too well-satisfied with ourselves, but the timid rarely experience this feeling. "If they do not struggle against their de- Bjection they will be severely punished for their negligence. "That is why we rarely find the timid friendly. "They are more or less a prey to the envsi whiche enters their hearts when they realize their obscurity, and contrast it with the success of others Is Some people find it very trying to witness the success of others. "However, .exen people whose minds do not soar to the highest plain often feel no bitterness in regard to the success of others, for they do not think it will interfere with their own. . C ·1 · THE PARENT OF ENVÝ 8,9 "Let us sadd that they always believe that their . success will be owing to their own superiority. "There are then but few reasons why envy should be pernlitted to accomplish its hatoful work in the heart the timid, for they feel confident that their own success is at hand. “Most of them see, not only their own, efforts crowned with success, but the weakening, if not the effacement of their neighbors' prerogatives. "The timid can readily give their support to others and can admire them also, for they consider this as but merely being patronizingly. polite, in other words. a coin that people filled with self-conceit willingly distribute to those they regard as competitors of but little account. "This egotistical generosity is unknown to persons tainted with timidity. “They are, consumed with mortification at not being able to shine in their turn, and if, they have ability they are furious at the thought of being powerless to display it. • "From having an exaggerated idea of their own importance, to execrating those whose self-possession brings them to the front, is but .& step, and this step qyickly taken brings there to the cavern in which cnvy grovels.

·86, TIMIDITY false theories, tries to put them into practise byʻplunging into a career which will not permit of his developing his special proclivities? In every condition of fife timidity is a blemish, kut in family life it becomes os grave fault, where it constantly and massively restrains energy, the source of moral harmony, the highest goal that can be reached.

·LESSON VI TIMIDITY THE PARENT OF ENVY PEOPLE very rarely examine themselves critically enough to see their faults. Even if they do see them, it is still more unusual for them to seek to cure them, or even to diminish them. On the other hand many people are very indulgent to faults which they can not disclaim. Let us remark that people simply excuse their faults by bringing up all sorts of extenuating circumstances which are only so many pretexts for deferring their efforts toward improving them. So that, instead of subjecting themselves to a rigid examination, and struggling bravely to. correct their faults, they are weak anough to evade them. We often, through inertia, persuade ourselves that the fault in question is not so bad as we imagined. Becoming accustomed to it, we soon view it $ S7 ·C C werden 90 TIMIDITY “If the timid were only to reasot a little they would see that the comparison tfiey drawe is not worth much, for they would only have to exert their will to display tile very qualities they attribute to themselves. "Serious introspection vould show them their faults, spur them on to overcome this obstacle, to take their proper place, and lead them to equal, if not to excel, those they, view with such contempt. “They are perfectly aware of the pecessity of struggling against this infirmity which, no matter what their worth or their attainments may be, relegaťes them to remain forever in the background. "Envy is not a monopoly of the timid, but in them it figurishes, because they mingle so little with others that their minds do not expand "then, too, as it is impossible for them to express their ideas, they can not modify them by gettiag advice, and so their unjustifiable aversion remains unchecked. "Theti mental solitude soon results in their becoming eccentric, so that the slightest gesture of the person they hate, the least thing they do, «adds to the flame, and makes the patient suffer as tho they had intentionally annoyed, him. C ( ·91 THE PARENT OF ENVY “But instead of complaining, and telling some one about his suffering, which could cers tainly, be cured by good advice, they shut it up in their hearts, in which liatred is sown and flourishes as a seed of grain fallen or land protected from the gare, "A timid person, when envious, merely nates and suffers. "Tho he dreads the thought of grieving alone he is fully aware of the meanness of this feeling; being too undemonstrative to seek the ameliorations which would expand his mind he avenges his grievances on every one round him provided he is not embarrassed. “For impulsive persons ntost naturally treat others to their ill-temper, brought on by dissatisfaction with themselves. “In the unmerited reproaches which they fling at their families they feel as tho they veres extenuating their faults which, being too weak to correct, they display daily. “But these unmerited rebukes, always in the end lessen, the ties of sympathy, already so light, which bind the timid to their families, and so there often springs up a feeling of mutual constraint which originated in their not understanding,or appresinting one another.

·92 TIMIDITY "And, as no oņe' round them knows what" sentimento bring on these strangt attacks of temper, their friends find it impossible to avoid making allusions, or expressing thoughts that make ckeir wounds blend afresh. " Timidity in a child is not yearly so serious, for by great care and a little tact parents dan nearly always conquer it "They should know how to gain his confidence, and by showing their affection repress his evil tendencies, and encircle him with their protection. "This done, they can very readily destroy the bad leaven of envy within him; for an evil unconcealed is easily cured. “Many children are mortifed because they feel their weakness in the presence of strength; this wourds their self-esteem, and readily engén&ers envy. "In a case like this it is the duty of the teacher to inspire, the child with self-confidence by praiſing the qualities he possesses, and which the person he is jealous of lacks “In å word, the first step must be to destroy the feeling of inferiority which causes the timid to become envious. "This, however, is very difficult tasks for ( ( C ·THE PARENT OF ENVY 93 care must be taken not to go to the other extreme by letting him have too high an opinion of hiinself. “One can not imagine how very ingenious the timid are in inventing excuses for their faults. “Few of them are wiling to aeknowledge that they are envious. Let us add that they are usually sincere in denying this fault. “However, if their violent temper does not drive awaji those who could give them advice, they should recognize the fact that the persons they have an antipathy för are especially those who display the qualities which their timidity denies to them. "A man who is brilliant, & good conversationalist, and of a fine figure will always be disliked by the timid. "They also hate those who have done brave çleeds in war,” adds Yoritomo, "and this has tred is accentuated in proportion as they become weaker and more cowardly.' The following pages bring a smile to the lips of the reader when he considers that, notwith- Standing the great differences of climate, costumes, and nationalities, the psychology of the feminine heart has scarcely changed for centuries. >> ·( 94 TIMIDITY For, in'lhe manuscript entitled "Envy, and Timid Women,' we find the subject treated in a manner which would hold its own in one of our most up-to-date Parisian reviews, “Woinen,” says he, are much more liable to become envious through Spite, for timid women always hate other women who are conspicuous for their beauty and their elegant clothes. “Besides, they think they have fcund a very easy way of belittling the physical attractions, of those whose prominence ofiends them, when they naively imagine that by not recognizing These attractions they annihilate them. "When they have decfced that suck and such friends can lay no claim to beauty, they not only almost think they have destroyed that, beauty, but most of them think that by this procedure they enhance their own merit, which thrives on borrowed glory.” The observations of Shogun remain true after all these years. But in our time we have another Lind of envy to consider besides that incited by external aclvantages, and that is jealousy of intellectual superiority. This sentiment expliuins the cstracism which C C ·THE PARENT OF ENVY 95 women have long exercised toward those of their numbercspho devote themselves to any form of art. The enlightened views of the latter give offense to the dulness with whidh the timid, and women who lack will-power, are inmersed forever. They do not realize the daily drudgery and anxiety necessary in struggling to attain and to keep a footing in the foremost ranks. Timidity, the dread of exešting themselves, or their ignorance, prevent them from trying to emulate others. They prefer rather to run down the reputation of others than to enter the areng in their turn and fight with them, side by side. But, nevertieless, this somewhat platonic reasoning does not satisfy the timid, for, in denying most emphatically that any one else is superior to themselves, they do so somewhatra the fox in the fable, who pronounced the grapes too green. Like the fox, they can not help thtowing' an envious ghance toward the good things they can never possess, and their ill-humor thrives on the great vexation they feel at not being able to equal, those they affect to deprecate Most, timid personso-tould easily appear as 11.8 ·C 0 96 TIMIDITY brilliant and becoma just as renowned as the people who excite their jealousy:&but to accomplish this they would have to emerge from their solitude and mix with the crowd. The timid can rést beating the thought of exerting themselves sufficiently to 'compete with others. They prefer to cede the place to those whom they could readily have outstript had they bec:n sufficiently energetic, and so they conceive a spite which soon degenenatęs into envy. It is absurd to prefend that the detestable fault called envy can promote emulation, the friend of progress. This subtle justification of a belittling sentiment can only serve as an excuse to those who are envious through timidity. Emulation is the desire to attain to the highhvor leerling one to take the steps necessary to outstrip one's rivals. ""The indispensable conditions for those who wishi to outstrip their competitors in merit anu bravery is, as we are told, "to cherisli no illusions regarding themselves. “If too complaisant, they soon become overconfident, and feel that they have a better chance than others of gaittag the desired virtues. + ·THE PARENT OF ENYY 97 "But if they acknowledge that they have rot. yet reachcà rørfection, their judgment regarding others will be so one-sided that they really think that their competitors are their inferiors, and that they can outstrip hem without makmg any effort.? * "In the rare instances in which they are honest with themselves and acknowledge that they would have to make a great effort to reach the same point attained by those of whom they are jealous,' their timidity, reticence, and the embarrassment which they are sure to feel prevent them from taking a high standing. *To outstrip others we must emerge from., our apathy and attract attention to ourselves, and a timid man can not bear the thought of facing his equals. "The mere feeling that a stranger is near paralyses him, and the thought of auctions speaking, appearing in public, taking esaminations, stating his views before his teacher, or giving an address on matters of State before an assembly, causes him to suffer so terribly that 'he can not bear to think of it, "The timid person is, therefore, excluded from all competitions, whether he be merely a young •student or a man who should command respett ·( 98 TIMIDITY fér his bravery in war and the weight of his argumentsin furthering the gog? of the State. "There are many other reasons why he will have to stand apart from militant life; the most conspicucus of the is--for we are now discussing the timid. nrrson who is envious as wellthe propensity for hating without cause. “The timid person always lates instinctively. This hatred in the beginning is a mere impression; he sees, or thinks he sees, a smile, and he imagines that the smile is caused by making fun of him on account of his awkwardness; or else le notices that silence reigns as soon as he mase nis appearance, so he comes to the con. clusion that he is being skandered. "This seed of hatred once sown in his heart is not slow to bear its fatal fruit. Shortly, every word, every action of the persons he hates, rohair good nature, their seriousness, and, in- en deeds, every attitude they strike seems to him a personal insult. "If they be gay, he thinks they are making merry at his expense; if sad, he attributes it to awkwardirêss; and if they are effusive he thinks they are too loquacious, and so he resents it “What ber ere impressinm 424 lonely ind of the (ransfor sus. c ·1 "THE PARENT OF ENVY 99 picion which soon turns ifto hostility, and, se-- cretly aided is his imagination," he transformas hostility into hatred, all the more tenacious because he is afraid to let it be seen. “A timid person's reasons for Bating are many and indefinite. “Sometimes even the mere fact of his having felt ill at ease in the presence of a stranger makes it impossible for him to see the man again owithout an antagonistic feelipg. "If the stranger happens to have witnessed one of the piteous exhibitions peculiar to the timid, the timid man magnifies it until he suffers agony from his embarrassment, and uncon sriously lays the blame on the stranger. "The timid person is an easy prey for schemers, who take advantage of his dread of coming to the front by sparing him the thousand and one little steps that frighten him. "He did not choose his friends." He lets them impose on him, and he often becomes ,very, fond of people who constantly deceive him. “Sometimes he has true friends; but on account of his stubborn and reticent gharacter it is difficult for him to keep his friends, and, therefore, he is mostly surrounded by those who are guided by interested motives.

·( ( 200 TIMIDITY “In this case, the friend who is trying to furthér his own interests does not rely to affect a cure; on the contrary, he contrives to keep his victim in this state becuse by so doing he, favors his“ schemes He "speaks in his stead, spaces him from having'to take the steps ha dreads, 'acts for him, decides for him, and even savés him the trouble of thinking for himself. (“To sum up, he comes to the front on every occasion that makes life insupportable for the timid person, and thereby aids him in sinking into a nonentity. "These friendships encourage envy in the timid person, for his yıly friend fans the flame that serves his purpose so well, hy estranging him from all his friends. “That is how he lights the flame of hatred in the heart of him he is exploiting, arid he takes good care that the timid man be kept away from all those who might have a noble, tender affection fof him. itt timid persons incurable? “Certaiņły not, but it is a very difficult task, for to endear oneself to them we must be able to read their thoughts and to perceive their generous sentiments which they hide from the casual observer. ( ( "Is envy t ·THE PARENT OF ENVY 101 "Nevertheless, it is a'roble mission to bring them to a higer plain of thoughtz for hatred is a terrible burden to carry, and it must be very gratifying to see it vanish by degrees, giving place to kind-heartea zess with which the energetic are so familiar, anarích they "cultivate because it creates an inward joy, and makes life serene."

·V
LESSON VII
ESTHETICISM AND TIMIDITY
Tho this word has but recently come into use,
what it stands for is eternal.
"This instinct, contrary to all others,' says
Yoritomo, "does not originate in conversations,
nor in the vague impétus of self-defense that
determines most of our actions or our impulsos.
“It originates in a state of mind in whichi
one is satisfied to look at what seems to bring
him nearer to perfection.
"It is a flight toward the ideal; it is in a way,
collaborating yith the Creator, since our_spirit
has the power to evolve something charming by,
means of the necessary implements, etc.
"A painter who takes a paint-brush and a
piece of canvas and paints a picture which
calls forth' enthusiastic admiration; a musician (
who acconipanies on his flute the story of the
noble deeds of warriors-provided they are able
ta thrill our hearts with the same, enthusiasm
102
(

·+ ESTHETICISM AND TIMIDITY, 1,08 that animated those whose prowess they recall; are the creators, while we are the collaborators: “One need not take an active part in order to play this last rôle; it suffices to feel within oneself the emotion whici for a moment unites our soul to its Maker. “This emotion is the real social leveling; for, granting that the main aim in life is to' embellish it as much as possible, it has been ascertained that the 'most dejected when admiring a landscape, or looking at a sunset; listening to the harmonies of music, or watching. rhythmic dances, feel an intoxication of joy the memory, of which will brighten the hard days of labor.".'» Every one, no matter in what condition of life he be, should, strive after the beautiful. "The great teachers from the earliest antiguity devoted their attention especially to this, and the masterpieces they have left us more than prove what importance the ancients attached to the beauty of posture. “This special beauty has the advantage over others in that it can be acquired by cery one. “We are not born with -it. . It is rather the result of habits formed in early childhood by, teachers who cultivate the beautiful. "For harmony of posture, which is one of ·-- t $ ,104 TIMIDITY the most perfect forms of beauty, is not possible in the tiinid, pada "Their movements are always circumscribed, and timorous. They never gain the case they admire se much in those who are not afiicted With this faulle “Can harmony of gesture he acquired? Can an artistic attitude lie cultivated, as a fine voicci "Yes, provided one be careful to guard children, from their most tender age, iloin, everything that might curb their natural grace, and watch tą see that they do not use comtion gestures. “But they should be especially guarded against finidity. "What charm can we see in those tho are frightened at nothing and who do not possess sufficient sélf-control to take pains to be grace. fúl i thcir “novenients, and who, in fact can scafcely' regulate them? “What, beauty can re expect to see in a person who is amicted with a disorder lıç is incapable of surmounting? “Do people when drowning think about striking beautiful attitudes then they are struggling for their lives? “Childrcu must, tfierefore, 'be guarded $ ·ESTHETICISM AND TIMIDITY 105° against becoming timid if they are to take part , in this manifestation of beauty which finds expression in harmony and rhythm. "Wly should they distress people by their affected and ungraceful moverlents ? "It is criminal to allow this fault to develop in the young, for'it will deprive them of a great dcal of pleasure. “Of what use is it for them to be gifted by nature, if their timidity-which is nearly always an acquired fault-prevent them from appearing at their best and so pleasing every one? Before inspiring the child with a desire for striking, familiar attitudes.gracefully it is well to show him how he can attain to the self-control required. to develop sufficient will-power and energy. "That done, he should be imbyed with the 'importance of harmony, not only in movements of the body, but in the workings of the inner. life "Sometimes the least thing will sow the seeds pof timidity in the mind of the young!. "In this category we must place the wrong parelits do their children when, for the sake of economy, they make them wear old-fashioned garments that cause them to look ridiculous.

·106 TIMIDITY “The parents can*not be blamed for not in. culcating in them a taste for very elegant things, but neither should they, under pretense of saving, make their children wear clothes too out of date-or tos conspicuous. "Youth is relentless,'exercising no forbearance; and the child when ridiculed by his playmates can not help but notice it, and he consequently suffers keenly." Does it not seem as if these words were spoken by a contemporary! If this be true in a Country and an age when costumes changed but little, how much more true it is now! The beginning of a persistent timidity can often be traced to the confusion, a child feels when he says, “I'm not like other children." The jeers in which his comrades indulge on seeing him in a costume evidently, made by inexperienced hands have often annoyed him so muzh" that he soon became bashful. If this pupil be obliged to step forward to take exandination's or to speak, the feeling that, people are looking at him and making fun of him increases his awkwardness. <And as timidity is increased through the fear, the patient has of showing it, the details which ·> ESTHETICISM AND TIMIDITY 10% make one smile may have an enormous influence lasting thougủout life. We can not conceal the fact that it is more difficult to strike a graceful attitude in an absurd costume than in one's ordinary stothes, It is the parents' duty to see that their children's clothing be meat, if not costly. In this way they can spare the children not only little passing annoyances, but the evil tendencies resulting from wounded self-esteem. Bhere is also another reason, more difficult to define,"but none the less real, which should cause parents to reflect when dressing their children in 'old-fashioned finery. This reason is illustrated by the venerable Shogun in a very graphic manner. "Warriors have å motive," says he, "for Covering their faces with hideous masks. Tho Their principal thought is to strike terror into the hearts of the enemy, they also try to pattern their souls after their warlike trappings. “Has any one ever seen a man going to battle taking a låmb as his emblem ? . “We always assume some of the characteristics of the person whose costume we wear, and the child drest in ridiculous gardients uncon. Bciously. strikes uncouth attitudes, besides, > ·C ( < & 108 TIMIDITY taunted at the fun leveled at him, he frequently takes refuge in embarrassment, whiclı results in his hating those who have caused him to suffer and also his parents who were the indirect cause of it. "In every age dress has beeu an important question. “Some costumes betoken authority; their c shape is imposing, they necessitate dignified gestures which induce gravity of menner, and which reflect on the minds of those who Tear them. “Other costumes, like military uniforms, suggest violent action and incite those who wear them to acts requiring quick decision and dashing resolutions." These remarks are especially applicable to our qwn country where the greatest variety di costunes can be seen daily, thereby illustrating more fully what I have said. (A ‘peasant when •drest in his Sunday best is less rough 'and more refined than usual The fear of spoiling his clothes-counts for something, but we must acknowledge that it has an influence over him and tones him down, at meast temporarily. There is a Japanese proverb which says: C 0 AC C ( ( ·} > ESTHETICISM AND TIMIDITY 109 beautiful spul is rarely reflected in an ugly face." This proverb does not, of course, refer to classic beauty, but if .we. define beauty as serenity and harmony, the properb häds good. A beautiful Soul always expresses itself by some outward sign, for instance, a mild expression, a sweet smile, freedom of 'gesture, sincerity of speech; etc. We read further on that "symmetrical attıtudes should be supplemented by a musical voice, and cortversation to correspond. "The good looks of the most beautiful woman in the world are soon forgotten unless she can charm by' her conversation. "The fascination of a beautiful face diminishes when we see it often, but that of a charmirig conversationalist lasts forever, for it is, constantly being renewed. "That is the reason we sliould be more par- .ticular to see that children have some 'selfassurance which with appropriate'gesticulations is the foundation of the art of speaking. "But if we wish to succeed we must not fall into the error of most educators. "Under pretext of accustoming children to, speak in public they begin by teaching them to 1 . 3 3 ·( jio TIMIDITY learn verbafum, to recite stories in language they do not understand, and to accenf-thefn with gestures so awkward that they make one smile: 'How absurd!', we.say, on witnessing the awkyard himicry of the child. s. The fact is too ofter overlooked that if this "absurdity' be not remedied at once the child will become so accustomed to these studied at- <titudes that when he is grown and speaking before an audience he will still accent his. remarks by making the studied gestures so deeply imprest on bis mind, and so they will call forth smiles with not a grain of kindness in them. "It certainly was not intended to confine the pupil to a stertotyped copy which, if carried out, would paralyze all his natural grace. His initiation should be gradual. “The best way would be to encourage the child's natural gestures by making him recito such pièces as describe the very simple events of his own life. Let him speak about his plays, describe a party in the country, a fête, etc. "And when the child is reciting, the attentive teacher sirould only correct him for his faults of speech, and for making uncouth gestures which he may liave overlocked; allowing him when delivering his recitation' to retain 'all ( ·9 2 to a prodigy eight years of age recite verdes of ESTHETICISM AND TIMIDITY 1į. his naive characteristics, of spontaneous enthusiasm. "We must remember these three great causes which produce harmony of gesture and of speech; thought, feeling, the expression of the edga. "Children destined to lead a public life find as they grow older that they are very greatly assisted in their career by observing these three precepts; others, in consequence of having fol- • lowed them, experience a happiness that by degrees extends to every,oile round-them. "If these rules be followed they will prevent timidity, which as we have seen often originates in a 'prime cause that no amount of energy' What would not many mothers of our own day give to read these truths! It might, perhaps, preserve us from listening J can crush." Sully-Prudhomme, accompanying them with gestures like those of a broken doll, and whom we encore through courtesy. In turning over the leaves that, treat of estheticism in its relation to timidity we still find psychological reflections which are so appropriate to every age and country' that we can not resist the temptation of citing them. II.7 ·0 0 112 TIMIDITY icNearly all nationalities are inspired by seeiņg symbolic dancing, which istoccasionally religious, but oftener sensual, and sometimes, war-, like in character. “Shall we agree with the savants who sought the Origin of this sentiment which is only apparent in the human race-by saying that the art of dancing is a valuable adjunct in perpetuatirg the human race? “Shall we not rather view it as a striving to express the beautiful in a tangible form Seading one toward the highest ideals ? "By this means the soul is elevated and the most, unforunate can experience joys which can not be purchased with geld. "A timid person can not enjoy the pleasures of dancing, for he becomes frightened and covered with confusion when he thinks any one is gotag to look at him.' This remark, which was true so many centuries ago, can be also applied to our modern life. "In dancing we must not only make up our minds that many eyes are ripeted on us, but we must dance often, that is, attend balls, which requires a knowledge of the forms of society the practise of, which tends to frighten the timid person, ·ESTHETICISM AND TIMIDITY 113 > 1 7 ) He must be willing to enter society, to be introduced, to know how to ask a lady to dance, to dance gracefully, and to converse, while resting between the dances! It is also nenessary for him to think where he is going so as not to collide with the otñer dancers; but should he knock, against any one he ought to take the blame on himself, and make his excuses in a courteous and becoming manner: And it is impossible for a timid*man to do this. It is the same with a musician who, when timid, feels his fingers contract, md the in: strument being played with a stiff touch emits only a short and often a false tone, for his hands tremble. Others are endowed with a voice, but they can never sing if they think any one is listening. They at once become the prey of, physical changes due to timidity, their throat contracts, until they can not emit a sound, and if they do succeed their voice will have lost the purity and fulness that charmed us. Reading further we come across the following reflections: "Even in the art of painting natural objets the timid are at a disadvantage.

·C 714 TIMIDITY 0 ( · *They rarely attempt to repraluce the charming things they see in their dreams." They are satisfied with very commonplace 'subjects,'unless they make a worthless choice leading them to outdo themselves by producing something quite extravagant. "These erratic productionı begin by merely being original, but by degrees having been subjected to the distorted ideas of the timid artist, for he 'dare' not ask advice as he only takes counsel with himself_he entertains illusions regarding the faults of his work, until hiš productions become extremely eccentric, so be r still thinks himself merely unconventional.” Many physiologists go so far as to say that art in the spring and fall exhibitions, which is quite beyond the comprehension of any one, is the work of the timid. People inquire why one artist paints women without faces, and why another paints flesh a beautiful sky-blue, and persons with impossible contours. "Specialists," says Yoritomo, “need not look far for the answer, for these are the works of the timid; they were begun in a sensible way but gradually modified by the lonely artist's topch until they display, these faults whick the artist does not perceive." C ·. "Have we not seen deformed men charm ESTHETICISM AND TIMIDITY 115 Furthermory, we can readily see' for ourselves how this all came about, when we look at'the engravings of ancient costumes. It seems impossible for us to imagine that our fathers and mothers could have appeared, and even been attractive in such absurd clothes. But should the caprice of fashion decree the return of these styles we'would at first be greatly surprized, but soon growing accustometi to them we would not only tolerate them but admire them, and adopt them. This lesson on estheticism in relation to the fault which is the subject of this book would not be complete without citing a few reflections of Shogun, ,on an . especially painful subject. Timidity arises from being conscious of having a fault we can not hide. "This is' the only 'case,” says he, “phere it can conceal a refined soul. "The confusion originates in a characteristic dread of offending others with the sight of his deformity. "This fear is readily transformed into a wish that these disadvantages be forgotten through his ueveloping rare talents. ► ) people with their poetry and their song!

·C O 716 TIMIDITY " "Is it necessary to' possess a form like a beautiful statuc in order to paint marvelously beautıful birds in a dreamy landscape? “Does he who listens to the poems and the songs, and who admires the landscape, finding himself in an enchanted world, does he think of the deformity of the artist, who was able to procure him those moments of exquisite joy. v"It is not of bodily defects we should be aslarned, but for those of the soul we should blush "If the soul be pure the face, no matter how unprepossessing it may be, will reflect its Beauty. “Have we not in troublous times seen men renowned for their ugliness inspire the people by their words, and dominate the minds of a crowd so thoroughly that it seemed but one soul' vibrating in unison with his "At such a moment who would notice the man's face, £xcept as it reflected the lofty sentiments which'animated him! “Sincerity, self-confidence, high-spirited audacity that conceives and executes great projects, contain harmonies that will always move us, in spite of bodily deformity, for the union of these qualities constitutes beauty.' C ·LESSON VIII TIMIDITY AND BUSINESS YORITOMO lays special stress on the following axiom: "Timidity is the stumbling-block to'him who would seek his fortune in any line of work. "It is always inauspicious, and in spite of his efforts—which rarely amount to anything because they are intermittent and, unskilfully directed—the timid person will always see his fault loom up, between him and success. "On meeting strangers, he is liable to be disturbed by a feeling of fear mingled with shame, and if this be not fought against it will grow so strong as to become an insurmountable barrier. "The fear of the recurrence of sognething that has caused him to suffer is a more potent factor than weakness of will. For the life of a man trying to rise above his environment is made up perseverance and well-directed effort. "Persons afflicted with this defect are never equal to making a sustained effort, for the 117 ) > > of ;

·118 TIMIDITY korror they feel at the thought of going to the front precludes their taking any but the most necessary steps. "They never make up their minds until the last moment, and they become discouraged if <their first efforts are not crowned with success. 'Activity requires an initiative which at times may seem audacious, by giving the man confidence in himself, and in making him determined to force other people to have a corresponding confidence int hm. Speaking of perseverance, this includes militant realism, and prolific idealism. Persistent efforts toward a desired desired goal : smoothe the difficulties in the path. "If a man about to undertake a hazardous journey were to neglect to supply himself with gold, and also with food, he would be in danger of giving out before reaching his destination,' says the venerable sage, who adds: "Thére are two qualities necessary in traveling through life: perseverance comes first, and then the energy to practise perseverance. "A journey is only accomplished by taking one step after another, each step covering but the most infusitesimal part of the road to be traveled. It is the repetition of these steps, in C ( C ·2 TIMIDITY AND BUSINESS 119 119 other words the continuous effort which enables ys to accomplish the roughest journey. “One of the greatest stumbling-blocks to the timid in the practical affairs of life is the difficulty he finds in expressing and upholding, his opinions. “He is so unaccustomed to this that he thinks he is in purgatory when trying to convince an incredulous person or an adversary. Then the fieetingo impressions, so characteristic of weak mentalities, prevent him from fixing his attention, and this, furthered by his habitual embarrassment, discomfits him, and so he ceases to struggle. "His faltering will prevents him from stating facts graphically, so he describes them in a dull and pointless way not calculated to convince any one. "If obliged to defend his views, he becomes nonplussed at the slightest argument brought forward by his adversaries! Unexpected objections confuse him so much that he loses all gonfidence in his own judgment. > “If he attempt to persevere, the result is usually disastrous, for as the timid can not coordinate their ideas, they can not muster' al}. the facts they want to narrate. > ·7020 TIMIDITY “They soon become so embafrassá] that they blush, which is especially annoying to them because they know what a bad efiect it will have on their speech, arid so they become more confused than ever. *They are so nonplussed that they forget their best arguments, or even should they be able to recall them, they are so confused and so illy sustained as to be worthless." These observations, so truc in those days, are even more so to-day. The world does not belong to the humble or to the , weak; an intriguing schemer can very readily get the better of the timid. This is well proved by this little tale from far-off Japan, which brings to our mind many similar stories enacted in the Parisian world of intrigue. "Tut a small province there dwelt a man who was extremely timid; his fault having separated • him from his fellow men, he lived in the greatest seclusion. “But as every one must have some pleasure, he cultivated chrysanthemums, celebrated for their beauty. "The aspirations of his soul were satisfied in producing these superb flowers Shunning contact with people, lie took pleasure in contem- ·3 > + TIMIDITY AND BUSINESS 121 plating the flowers, which, filled the place of family to him. He spoke to them, adrdired them, fondled ihem without dread of becoming embarrassed, as he was when in the presence of people, and so experienced a tenderness akin to gratitude toward his beloved plants. “One day he say that a profane hand had devastated his garden; the most beautiful chrysanthemums, the peculiar and splerdid appearance of which had given him the greatest pleasure, had been cut off their stems--they had been stalen. "The lonely man, as we can readily imagine, was very much troubled, and terrified at the dilemma in which he was placed. "Should he let the thief go unpunished, 'or take the necessary means to catch him, and Have him arrested ? “That a struggle this was for him! But he loved the plailts so dearly, and was so ix/dignant that he determined to make the attempt; so, at night the amateur detective being very angry, mustered up sufficient energy to arrest the thief, and have him taken before the judge "He was not afraid of appearing in court, for hie, made sure of himself by leaming almost verbalup the simple w3rds he had to say. .

·( $ 122 TIMIDITY “For example: "16"I surprized this man as he was devastating my garden-border where my 'most beautiful chrysanthemums were'in bloom.' But what was his astonishment when the thief. turned on him and crica: They were not flowers, they were mallows.' "Any one except a timid man would have used this reply as a means of making the thief con- Fess. “But he was so confused that he thought of no other course to take except to protest. "They are flowers,' said he. "They are pallows,' replied the malefactor; and he persisted, so that the proprietor, on being questioned by the judge, ended by saying in a stammering manner, that the flower and the mallow well, the wallow flower ..., the purple flower- This had the effect of making the judge lose patience, and he sent him back to his garden, after reprimanding him and reproaching him for having arrested' an honest man (without having any definite idea what accusation de wished to make against him." This Japanese talc is absolutely true. ( The timid person often has such a dread of contention that he prefers rather to agree with . 3 ·TLMIDITY AND BUSINESS 123 ) ) his adversarįes than to stand up for his rights. This feeling of embarrassment makes him lotk to take the steps necessary to attain any profession; besides the calls, he must make on his superiors, and the obligations of his profession, forcing him to come to the front, there are also other things he must observe. There are visits of congratulation, of condolence, formal visits, visits prompted by curi- • osity, political visits, visits of introduction, etc, etc., 2 The last are especially trying to the timid who, no matter how high an opinion they have of tieir own worth, are haunted by the fear of appearing' in a bad light. They know very well that they can never find the word they want to use, and that their embarrassment will create an unfavorable, impression. On account of their lack of "sociability” they are unable to understand the difference between an ordipary solicitor, and one who feels authorized to remind his superiors that he yould be glad to devote himself to the cause he serves. In their dealings with their inferiors, the timid are always constrained, and in many in, stances they åre duped?

·124 TINIIDITY ( C They are ashamed to offer at employee reasonáble wages; or hæving offered the usual amount, and the men demand excessive pay, they dare not dispute it To stand up for their rights rould crush thiem completely and so the insolence of the debtor would always guarantee him against the solicitations of the timid. They are a ready prey for base speculation, and for árbitrary demandss this is illustrated by an anecdote tolà Sy the savant, Hong-Loo. “The "savant, Hong-Loo, says Yoritomo, "was such a timid man that he did not sign his name to his principal.works. It was only by concealing his identity that he had sufficient courage to set forth his great precepts, so much appreciated by his contem. poraties. But the cultivation of science was not of much use to Hong-Loo, for one day then lie took time to look round him, he saw that his servants, having become tired of being 'fed on the words of the master, had left him, and that it was imperative for him to procure some money. “For a long while afurers had taken advan. tage of his timidity and ignorance of the world, C ·as TIMIDITY AND BUSINESS, 125 and, when necessary, had lent him• sums of money for which they hall reimbursed them-' selves by claiming a hundred times the value in property. "Therefore, he went to one of them and explained his predicament, blushing as he did so. “The usurer protestea; he said he was ruined, that if he were murdered no available gold or silver would be found. Nevertheless, soon as Hong-Loo, who had become more confused than ever, began to speak, the man fastenéd his eyes on the coat of the savant which was made of beautiful blue satin with large ibis embroidered in gold. 'Listen,' said he, my kind heart always gets the better of me I will not leave you in such a predicament. I will give you te gold pieces, as a present, for you no longer own any land Or possessions.' friend how kind of you!', 66"Give me your coat.' ""But I shall not look fit to go out. 'I will, give you another in its place.' “And he opened a lacquer chest and took out a very old garment. "The savant could scarcely refrain from showiag hi:s displeasure But as his case pas + • "Oh! my, ·126 TIMIDITY urgent, and his timidity maçle him afraid to argue over it, he ačcepted the situation, and exchanged his beautiful garment embroidered in gold, for this filthy, rag, then extending his hand, but nothing was put in it. “Before proceeding, said the usurer, ‘let us go over our accounts. I will buy your coat for ten pieces of gold which you are to return to me in thirty days, plus the interest. For the coat I have just sold you I am satisfied to take one piece of gold. Therefore, you owe me fourteen pieces of gold at new moon. “Hong-Loo acquiesceq "What resourtes have you with which to pay me? Let me tell you once more that you have not one piece of land left.“ "The poor man stammered out a few confused words ""There, you see,' said the rapacious man, 'you don't know; well then, at the date fixt, I havethe rightto gote your house bringing with me officers of the law, and seize your manuşcripts, for you possess nothing else. Would it not, be. wiser, nos that you have the money, thanks to me, to pay me a portion of this debt?' "The sawant was about to object, but the usurer began again: C ·TIMIDITY AND BUSINESS BUSINESS 127 "Well now, it is all settled, I will keep the ten pieces of gold, and for the four still due 'me I will give you two hundred days'otime.' "And he pushed the poor Hong-Loo, who dared not reply, toward the door. All the way home he said to himself, 'It is strange! I have no money, I have lost my beautiful coat, I have contracted a debt .. and it is legitimate , 1 too!» This graphic portrayal of a timid man strikes us by its simplicity. Even if he be not always duped il such a simple manner, he is no less •at the Inercy of every schamer who speculates on his making but a show of defense. These observations, oso true in every respect, are equally applicable to all those, who obliged to count on the assistance of others, in gaining their livelihood. "The small tradesman," says the philosopher, "the most miserable man who carries the palanquin, as spell as the most successful manufacturer; the poor clerk who passes his days printing characters with his brush, as well as the man whose birth has placed him on a throne, should all cultivate a polite manner, and the frçedom of thought șhich tends to develop in 1:15 > ·C C C 128 TIMIDITY them the good quálities belonging to their sphere of life, "If the small tradesman finds himself embarrassed on account of his timidity, he can not compete successfully with his neighbor whose persuasiveness attracts all the customers. “If the successful martufacturer be overwhelmed with confusion when he should defend his interests, or when he wants to carry a point, kuis competitors will soon outstrip him, and he who is unprogressive is liable to be defeated. “As for small clerks, if they do not distinguish themselves by doing something that requires intelligence, or hy having ideas and presenting them in an attractive form, thay will probably die as poor as they lived. “Not only the high dignitary has to contend against smiling duplicity and polite audacity in, order to keep control of the situation. “The rivalry surrounding thrones makes it necessary for him who would maintain his authority to maintain it by means of energy concealed under an amiable exterior, so as to gain people's "good-will, which might, at any time, become a power in the hands of those who now how to elicit it." All timid persons have the fault of wanting d € 0 ·'TIMIDITY AND BUSINESS 129 to put off making decisions, or doing tasks until to-morrow. They do not always keep faith with themselves, but the fact of having deferred taking a step satisfies them for the time being, Besides, resolutions put off from time to’time seem less appalling, but the next day innumerable excuses present themselves and they are put off until the following day. In business, this failing is one of the most frequent causes of failure. • Thirgs constantly put off not only stand 8 great chance of never being accomplished, but the delinquents, always holding bäck, strike against closed doors, and see the business transacted without their assistance. But the very thought of having to decide anything makes them so miserable that they can not make up their minds to it. As soon as they work out a problem,' a crowd of objections rise up in their feeble minds. If they take an opposite course, the costacles that recently frightened them seem of consequence, but to offset this they consider the reasons in favor of the new project very inconsistent, now that it is a question of adopting them. very little ·230 ( TIMIDITY 'If they revert to their first opinion they experience the same feeling, for theř hatred of accomplishing results precludes their consider, ing any reasons except those which are opposed to carrying out the point in question. And therefore, beaten about hy most contrary, désires, they permit themselves to entertain groundless hopes, which they reject as readily, as theyo admit them. When this struggle can no longer be maintained in the mind alone, when it must result in a decision, the timią person suffers more than C ever. He makes a tremendous effort for him, trying to express all the vague ideas that haunt him. It is then that we see him entangling himself in phrases he is unable to finish, because the thought behind them has not assumed a definitę form. IIis words, following his thoughts, are inapprepriate and disconnected. He hesitates at every word, pronounces one or two syllables then seeing that it does not fit his thought, he does not finish it, but puts an other word, which he considers more appropriate, in its place, only to thrust it aside before pronouncing it. € ·TIMIDITY AND BUSINESS' 151 But the ideas de wishes to convey are so indistinct, and especially so diverse, that, owing to lack of the power of concentration, he can not grasp them firmly enough to express them clearly. He becomes more and more discouraged until he accedes to everything his adversary wishes, preferring to abandon the suit rather than to be forced to contest it There have been instances of men holding offices of public trust being so hampered by timidity, which prevented them from entering into any debate, that they abandoned their post and retired before their time expired. With 'few exceptions they šank into a disgraceful apathy, becoming hopelessly incapacitated, and burying the few energetic impulses which might have brightened their lives. » According to the teachings of Yoritomo, the timid are prevented from giving alms tho they would like to. “Many people have been blamed,” says he, for never having done a generous act because they were restrained by bashfulness." “Many people have borne the reputation of being hard-hearted because they were judged by appearances, whereas they were simply timid > ·182 TIMIDITY C C persons who were disconcerted at the merē thought of being talked about. "It is the sins of omission we must charge', against those afflicted, with this defect; the thought of speaking out, even if they have an important fact to announce, is so distressing that they prefer to suffer the disastrojis consequences of a culpable silence "I kn€w of a family in modest circumstances being plunged in misery in consequence of one of these omissions. "The son who was their support, a young man who was extremely timid, was in the employ, of a rich daimio.. “One day when he was returning hofne from the palace, he heard a crackling sound; the library in which he worked' was on fire. *His first thought was to seek aid, and so he ran into the hall. "The Harmio who was coming from the opposite direction, and with whom he nearly collided, stopt him, and spoke so rudely te him that he was plunged in the deepest 'distress. “He attampted to excuse himself by explaining his sudden entrance, but his throat muscles were so rigid that he could not utter a sound; his mouth was so parched that he could not ·TIMIDITY AND BUSINESS 138 > > speak'a word, and sů he stood there, blushing, disgraced, and tiembling; “The dàimio, attributing his embarrassment o'to the reprimand, shrugged his shoulders and passed by. “The poor boy wished to tell some one in the palace about the fire, but how could he explain his silence when in the presence of his master? "He made up his mind to 'confide in the elderly head-servant who had always been very kind to him, and so he went to look for him. When he had found, him and had told him about it, some time had elapsed, and priceless manuscripts and rare collections had been devoured by the flames. “The daimio was very angry, and dismissed him, and he and his family were obliged to drag out a miserable existence; whereas, if he had been able to conquer his attack of timidity, he would doubtless have been praised and well rewarded." One of the usual effects of timidity is to encourage egotism. Altho it is well, in the ordinary affairs of life, not to sacrifice oneself unnecessarily, it is unwise to ignore the power of generosity. Those with whom yg are too proud to shake 2 .

·2134 TIMIDITY · hands dişdain us when we need their support. “Here is anothercreason,” says the Japanese savant, "for uprooting timidity. LEA timid person, " he says, "is always ego-. tistical, his fault making him so. "He is too much occupied with himself to pay attention to the outside world. "His sensations, his emotions, his judgment, are all subservient to his chief concern; the opinion of others. "The timid men often really attrlbute their shyness to modesty, and lay undisputed claim to a crown,, for the world belongs to those who are able to conquer it, and they look upon the timid, provided they are imprisoned in their timidity, as one adversaryʻless to combát. “A dupe of himself and his sentiments, the timid man gradually takes' up his abode in the kingdom of impressions; thrust 'aside by the ambitious, who distrust him, deserted by people of deep reasoning powers, whom his attitude has displeased, he is obliged to lead a mediocre existence that will bring him neither the fortune nor the glory that he had not the ability to win. “And from the depths of the solitude in which he is plunged, he detests humanity, whose charm he has never discovered.” ( ·LESSON IX IN PRAISE'OF AUDACITY > “SOME virtues are separated from vices by a line so indistinct," says the learned old Japanese, that few people can see it clearly, therefore they do not comprehend them, and so do not Practise them. "It is the duty of him who makes a specialty of cultivating minds, to enlarge the scope of generous impulses, and to teach the most humble to practise these virtues which until now have been reserved for the chosen few. “Men who view things superficially rarely know the difference between pride and ranity, perseverance and obstinacy; economy and ava-, rice, etc, etc. “It is the same in regard to audacity, when it does not degenerate into boastfulness, for it ought also to be considered as'one of the virtues that march at the head of the wonderful cortège led by energy. ) 135 ·( + ( 156 TIMIDITY * There is a Japanese axiom which says: "The audacious will erect his palace on the bones of effrontery. “In order to define the boundaries, so easy to step, over, which suparate audacity from effroņtery and presumption, one must first define audacity in the best sense of the 'irord. "This virtue is the exclusive attribute of the strong; it includes the union of essential qualities that form a solid and unassailable phalanx. It requires, as we have already said, energy, but especially will-power. These two qualities, which the ordinary person usually confounds, are so distinct that it is impossible to lack che, one while possessing the other. Will is a powerful quality by which we gain the force to make decisions, and to carry them out. Erfergy consists in a steady will, originating in a determination to maintain it. Energy, issue of the will, completes it, in the sense that it makes it tenacious, by the help of vigor and armness. The will determines decisions, but energy chooses them, by teaching us how to concentrate oue will on å definite point, and by, makieg us ( ·: IN PRAISE OF AUDACITY 137 resolve not to deriate from the main path leading to it. • In a word. Will directs strength. "The audacious," says the venerable Japanese, “are always courageous. There are many, kinds of courage, the most difficult to practise is not always that one feels on the battlefield. "Obscure courage, which calls for devotion that is not perceived, and which, thertore, can not claim any reward, is the most difficult to maintain. "But this quality is, rarely possest by the audacious who especially require a determined will and the dash necessary to accomplisk what they have undertaken. "There is ånother quality required by him who would be audacious, and that is ambition. “An error that can not be too' strongly refuted is that of considering ambition as a jault. “Ambition is indispensable to him who would strive for honors, and for the highest advancement. "It is the lever which removes obstacles, the talisman which opens the doors of the caverns in which are the treasures hidden from the timid. "This is the path tíat must be taken by every ) 0 ·1 C 138 TIMIDITY inan who attempts to march toliard the highest idoals, which result in his becoming' well-nigh perfect. “There is only one case when ambition can not be praised, and that is when it has baseness andc cupidity for its aim. “But debased minds are rarely capable of making sustained efforts, and the ambitious man should be gifted with judicious and persistent energy. "The audacious have been reproached with being inclined to ruthlessly break through the obstacles that lay in their path. '«Thése objections, can only be made by narrow-minded people who occupy themselves with details instead of looking at results. "If the end in view be nóble and carried out well, the good that will result to the many will' give 'it such weight that any sacrifices made will not be regretted. "Urfder no circunstances must audacity be confounded with temerity. "The awlacious excel in judging the relations of things and their consequent results "Rash people do not take into consideration cor-litions, and so they coply see the end they are aiming for." < ·2 3 > • IN PRAISE OF AUDACITY 139 A few lines fyrther on, we find an anecdote, illustrating this point, aud displaying the delicate,coloring which is one of the charts of the Japanese philosopher. “Two men set out to seek Fortune. "They traveled in yain over hill and’dale, for they could not find a trace of the capricious goddess. "They were beginning to despair, when, one evening, just as the sun was setting, amid rosecolored clouds, they reached the edge of a swamp that seemed to shut off their path. “On the opposite side green lawns and blossoming trees tempted them. “In vain they sought a way to reach these, but the deep iharsh seemed the only connecting link. "They did, not dare, to attempt to cross the marsh, for they knew they would sink'in the quicksand. So they tried to avoid retracing their steps by finding angther route, when a“ form was outlined in the brilliant sky. It was she, there could be no doubt, it was Fortune, smiling and beckoning them to, come to her. "Trembling with emotion, they stood still a moment gazing at the woman who was urging tllem to join her. ) 1 ·140 TIMIDITY t C C "She was walking along the border of the swamp. 'Do you see her?' said one of them. “'Yes,' replied his friend, 'let us go toward her." "But how can we?' ‘By taking the shortest route'; he cried, as he dashed forward. "'Hare you lost your senses,' said his companion as he tried to restrain him , 'You know very well that these marshes ‘engulf every one foolhardy enough to attempt to enter them.' ""What do I care? I must reach Fortune zo matter how.' ""What good will it' do us if we lose our lives? Rather help me to cut down the branches of these trees that obstruct our way.' "And suppose she skould disappear That would serve us right for running, after her: “But the timoroug man would not listen further, so he obroke loose from his friend and plunged into the marsh which engulfed him as O ?? C 1 2 its prey. + “While this was going on, the other man broke off boughs and threw them on top of the muddy surface, entwining them carefully. 1 C ·IN PRAISE OF AUDACITY 141. "He rigked his life, of course, but he did not .go to certain death like his companion, and · when he realized the danger he suddenly sprang forward, and without being alarmed at the cracking of the branches behind him, as they disappeared in the muddy marsh, he made a few strides which brought him to the opposite bank. “Fortune had continued to smile since the attempt made by the rash man, and now she stopt a moment, for she was interested ire the efforts made by the audacious•mån, who was dextrous enough to seize her, before she vanished, by catching hold of the tail of her coat." The difference betteer the audacious man and the rash man is summed up in this fable. Of course,.conditions are not always favorable for the work the audacious person undertakes,, for in that case he would not merit the name; 'but he does not hesitate to enter the lists, provided he thinks these conditions supported by a foundation sufficiently solid to ensure the success of an undertaking requiring intelligent , audacity and reflection, For as soon as he weighs the result of his acts, he will proceed 'bravely and nobly, and anter confidently inty the struggle for whicb he feels himself fully prepared. 1 ·( 14,2 TIMIDITY The audącious have been blamed; for cultivaring a high opidion of themselves, which in, these modern days we call egotisń. If to' discern one's good qualities and to acknowledge them be a sign of egotism, the audacious man is surtly an adept, for he has not the slightest inclination to make sacrifices that no one will see; he wishes to succeed, and he walks straight ahead, his eyes fixt on the goal-success. This is illustrated by the following proof, which we call from the rich collection of fabies yy Yoritoneo. “In the days when enchanters disdained to come to the assistance of mortals, one of them had a gigantic ladder made, the last step of 'which touched the threshold of, the palace of universal knowledge “Not all who were calied were chosen ; some, after mounting a few steps, stopt to enjoy the · shelteroffered them by second-rate acquaintances; others got as far as the porch, where philosophers and savants were aivaiſing 'them, under lofty colonnades. "Very few of them set foot on the last step; for that rung of the ladder, being uneven, requfred very steady nervec to mount and furnished, nothing to lean against. Besides, the 0 € ·3 3 3 3 IN PRAISE OF AUDACITY 143 precipices which they had ascended were strewn » with the corpses of those who had stumbled on the way up. "These were the rash people who had attempted the ascent without first curing' themselves of vertigo. "But the audacious, who' were prepared by having been accustomed to energetic action, both mental and physical, those who had learned . to master themselves before attempting to set out to conquer universal Ignowledge, those whose moral strength was sufficient to safeguard against vertigo produced by the height, by. giving them the wishegl-for 'strength to keep their eyes fixt on heaven, those, and those alone, wert able to take a place along side of the elect Besides, on reaching the last step, they were received by men who possest the secrets of eternity, and who initiated tlıcm into the mysteries, and transformed them into beings almost divinc." The audacious person, then, is he who can march straight to the goal braving the dangers, which he' ha's well weighed. He never permits himself to be swayed by fancies, he only undertakes enterprises that are sufficiently definite to, attract å zien of his resolute character, ITI..

·144 TIMIDITY C t "He who only , Judges dife through his dreams,” says Yoritomo, "is most likely to remain deceived forever, for he, will never be able to tell the right road." The audacious person is always in a hurry, and when occupied, his attention is never distracted by what he sees on the road. He either disdains, or over comes the obstacles in his path, and marches forward to the highest ideals, his mind filled with this thought: “One must be daring; the world belongs to the audacious." *

·LESSON X
THE ACQUISITION OF POIŠE
WHEN We reflect on all the inconveniences of
timidity, from the usual tedium of every-day
life to the gravest consequences it eittails, we
'experience the same feeling as when looking at
a sick person--we wish to cure him, or at least
to help him.
Is timidity a curable disease?
?“Without a doubt,” says Yoritomo; "and in
order to accomplish this readily, it is simply
necessary that the timid person submit to a
mental treatment, which will at first not have
much effect, but by degrees the improvement
will become more marked in his mental state,
in his way 'of looking at things, and in the
strength of his resolutions.)
"Let us first discuss the mental state. The
-imid man, as we have seen, is at times too
frightened to speak, then again he is consumed
by shame, or so puffed up with self-sufficiency
that he imagines every gesture she makes, is
being commented on.
145

·146 TIMIDITY “He is so greatly, influenced by his thoughts that his lonely feflections insensibly assume forms quite different from those of the initial', stage “If lfe perceive the incredulity he calls forth whert stating his theories, he becomes cmbarrassed. This lack of reasoning power often lets him indulge in exaggerated statements, which make people doubt him still more, until they become convinced that the contrary of what he says is the truth; this makes him more angry than ever, and he involuntarily resorts to lies. "He is often unjust in consequence of the inclination we all. Ifave to make others suffer the results of our owa faúlts. “In order to remedy this, the timid man should make every effort to gain energy, which permits concentration; not the injurious kind of concentration which he has exercised up to the present time, but the self-examination which will enable him to recall the events of the day, without enlarging on them, or omitting anything regarding them. “He should then use, his best efforts to make this investigation in the most conscientious manner. * By this means, he will gradually become 1 ·ACQUISITION OF POISE 12117 familiar with the qualities that are, in a way, the beginning of energy. "If his thoughts wander during this time, he must grasp them again firmly, and take up the chain of his memory of the daily events at the very place where he dropt it. "This exercise is indispensable in curing the timid man, for in the course of these recollections he would find twenty causes to confuse him, or to make him angry with himself. “For twenty or thirty, days he should attempt nothing, besides concentrating his attention as quickly and as carefully as possible. "His first care, during this initial period, should be to review What happened, day by day, and this he should do more and more minutely. "For this, a rectining position, or an easy, 'comfortable position requiring no thought, is advisable. Then, he must close his eyes, and relax his entire body. "That done, he should racall the incidonts of the day, exercising his will-power more and more by trying not to deviate into reveries which would interrupt his train of thought. "He who succeeds in this is on the road to recogery; he can now attack the other part of his task.

·( 148 TIMIDITY "" After' having carefully «recalled all the events of a day, he should consider them in relation to 'the fault he is trying to overcome. "If, for example, he finds that he had remained silent when 'hearing a compliment, or a remack to which he should have replıcd, let him prepare the reply just as tho he were going to make it, and repeat it over zeveral times, tryjng to speak slowly and without stammering, “If, on the contrary, he exaggerato unduly, he should question himself scéretly, and by disengaging his personality from his judgment, he should look at his statements through the eyes of a strager. "Many times during this introspection he will feel confused, as he calmly reviews the ridiculous appearance he made. “But, instead of despairing, and conceiving an apérsion for the world, he should arm him-, self with a firm resolve to avoid the repetition a of simjlar faults. "This detormination is the culminating, point in curing timidity and is just what wt find most difficulty is getting him to do. “In fact, he never could have made up his mind to it if he had not been prepared through practising the first exerciſe for concentration.

·; ACQUISITION OF POISE 149 "The thirty or forty dàys in which his atten-> tion shall have been rigorously, trained every evening will have gained him the power of coordination, which, hitherto, he has not been able to exercise. "During this time the effort he had made to classify the little daily happenings, and to concentrate his attention on them, without letting his thoughts wander, will have słowly urg folded the centers of energy in his brain, of which, as yet, he is not conscious, but which are there ready to act. "This is the reason it is indispensable to contilue to practise ihe first part of the cure for timidity, until the defeat bs overcome completely. It would be very unwise to shorten or to omit this. "When consoled by the thought of finding himself able to regulate his thoughts, he will see that he is no longer a slave to his mental weakness, and it will be easier for him, to resolve to be on, his guard hereafter. ** To accomplish this, he should, after having recalled the phases of his presumption, renew them, but in modified and appropriate form. "He should try to remember, as well as he can, and word for word, the exaggerated > ► ·150 TIMIDITY thoughts he exprest, wepealing them aloud, not this time the sentences he intended to say, but those he did actually speak, in order to convinco himself of their childishness. "When that is accomplished, he should resort to introspection, and replace hiş fantastic ideas vhich he had held to most pbstinately--by formulas appropriate to the occasion, and so strike a qmiddle course. “He should repeat these sentences, if pos sible, word for word, and endeavor to speak them before witnesses. "Then qe should think of the cccasions in which lies might be placed in analogous situations, and should prepáre. replies to the questions he thinks might be discust: "He ought to speak these replies out loud, trying to articulate every syllable distinctly, and to guard against stammering. "At last he will make a resolve not to indulge in grotesque fancies, but, instead, to take a calm viete of the objections made by, those with whom he is arguing. “Besides, these objections will be made less frequently, because his words will be more temperate, and his attitude calmer. "In order to prove the strength of his resot 1 ·$ 1 ACQU ACQUISITION OF POISE 181 lutions, he should set hiinşelf a task. For ex-. ample, to 'sall on such and such a person the folloying day, and salute him by following a formula he had carefully thought out. "It is well, if possible, 'to select some one accustomed to giving large receptions, for the exchange of sentiments will thus be curtailed, and it will be easior for the timid man to recite the sentences he has learned, if he knows that, the ordeal will soon be over. "II', on reviewihg his conduct, he finds that he has been very irritable, he should, on the following day-after having thoroughly investi- Gated the cause of his anger, and realizing its childishness-revive this ihcident which caused hin annoyance, so as to be able to master it if he feels it likely to crop out again. ;"Or if, as most frequently happens, the embarrassment that disconcerted him was caxsed by blushing at an inopportune time, he should recall the events which caused him to blusli, speak aloud the words that brough it on, and familiarize himself, as best he can, with the in- 'cident that caused it. "The best way to do this is to speak un. reservedly of it, even if this allusion to it make •hila blush all the more.

·( 182 TIMIDITY c"In this case, instead of baking a cowardly reply, he should face the enemy, and when he has ceased blushing he ought to continue to coaverse on the same subject, or even bring it up again, should the conversation have taken another turn, and keep this up intil he blushes but slightly, or not at all. "The timid have great difficulty in seeing ethings in their proper focus. “We can not repeat too often that it is in solitude thoughts are changed beyond recognition. "It is very difficult to prevent this metamorphosis of the original thought, if the timid personkeep his reflections to himself. Therefore, it is well for hiin to 'communicate them to others. However, he should take good care not to stand up for them if he sees an' expression of astonishment on the faces of those with whoms he is talking In this case, the best way is for him to go back to the formation of the idea in order to compare it with what it has developed into, tracing its slightest variations. "This es incontestable evidence thich the afflicted man alone can furnish, and which he can fully control, provided he prepare himself by practising the first exercise.

·3 ACQUISITION. OF POISE 155 “As to steadiness of purpose, that can only: be attained gradually, and so, tho-the timid man often slide backward, he should, in the daily review of his life, not fail to take note of his triumphs, which will greatly encourage him. "There is such a thing as anticipating timidity, that is to say simply, apprehending it, but which is quelled by reason in the moment for action. "The timid man, while being cured, is distrest by the thought that he has to accomplish some deed, or take a certain step, but his reason strengthened by his custom of daily introspectich enables him to judge his actions, so that he can resist this indination. "Of course he will still suffer, but as he no longer secretes himself, he will gradually be able to get rid of this apprehension wheh he realizes bow absurd it is "Indeed, tHe anguish experienced by the timid is mostly the result of the fear of being defeated,, and he can not free himself from this anxiety, estept by proving to his pin satisfaction on what a slight foundation it, rests. "After having gained this victory over his mind,, he should give his attention to his defeéts, that is to say, afktardness, uneasiness of .

·164 TIMIDITY mind, stammering, pird lack bf tact, which cspecially need to be conquered, as these defects confuse the timid man so that he takes refuge, in isolating himself, fearing to meet renewed affronts. "Pherefore, it is well for him to realize the necessity for these outward manifestations. For example, if he ought to be present at a mceting, at would be well for him to think of it for some time beforehand, according to the ruky that the repetition of an emotion engenders the habit of feeling it, and this habit will' dull the frst impression, or cause it to disappear entirely. “Therefore, it įs°necesçary that the timid nfun familiarize himself with tlfe gestures ho intends making, so that he can make them without effort. "Now is the time to consider how to prevent him from suífering, as formerly, from these in! conveniences. "To cure awkwardness, he should practise walking gracefully, and coming forward without disgracing Inmself. “This result can be accomplished by thinking, of it freqüently, if not constantly. “He should practise carrying his head high and looking people square in the facę; of course he should not maintain this position for aýy C ( ·1 2 ACQUISITION OF POISE 155 length of time, beg unaccustomed to it, and it would be botter for him to practise this exercise but a short time at first, gradually lengthening it. "For the first few days he should accustom himself to assume this attitude during five minutes; three or four days later, he may try it again for ten minutes, then a quarter of an hour, and so forth. "But, in order that this treatment be effective, the timid man should persevere in it,, that is to say, if his resolution waver when doing his exercise, and he turn away his eyes_before the bold gaze of a passer-by, if he neglect, even for a few seconds, to carry his.hgad well, or to hold himself up straight, he should try over again, until he 'can maintain the attitude during the time he had determined. : "He should begin by practising addressing acquaintances on the street. "At first he should only speak very saort sentences, prepared in advance, and appropriate to every one, such as asking after-health, and affairs in general. The stumbling-block of the timid is their lack of simplicity. This is very often caused by a wish to be comples, and this, inflicted or others, repulses them, -as we have seen.

·- 456 TIMIDITY “These cudeavors should be made quickly, for the rule is to allow to time for embarrassment. And it is very necessary for the timid to feel that they have deported themselves creditably wlien interchanging compliments, thereby gaining Courage to make another attempt "If the stammering recur, he should, on returning home, repeat the unfortunate phrase, at (first slowly, then more rapidly, articulating fully, that is to say, by exaggerating the fnovements of his mouth and lips so that he can pronotince the words mechanically. "But this is not all; he should not consider 'the victory completę ifron the morrow, at the same hour, he has not sought a similar occasion to speak the same words to some person' he meets. "If he succeed he will have made double progress, for with one blow he will have conquered 'apprehension and a physical defect. "Regarding awkwardness; it is necessary to correct it by taking great care, when alone, to practise tepeating the actions we anticipate doing on the morrow. "Thus, if he has calls to pay, he should practig entering his house as tho it were, & stranger's. If he repeat over and over again ( ·> ACQUISITION OF POISE 167, 1 ) ) the gestures he expects tb, make the following day, these gestures will become famižiar to him, and he will make them in a natural manner when in public. "He must be careful not to attempt anything complicated. Naturalness, hunted down by timidity, returns by degrees and forces it to yield. “After these first steps the rest is easy, and, the timid,»being no longer the slave of a fault, may be allowed to give their attention to the faculties that lay dormant in their minds. “Being no longer dominated by this fault which isolated them from the’rest of the world, they mays dream of attaining siæcess; thus they would lose the habit of envying people. "If this ferment still retain the old germs they should instantly be removed.° The timid man who wishes to get rid of his humility, should exercise rigorous introspection, provided he really wants to be thoroughly cured." If we were to write a commentary on the sage precepts of Shogun, it would be to advise those who really want to be cured, not only to take advice but to have an intelligent protector to sustain them, and to make them persevere in the difficult road of improvement. > ·3 4158 TIMIDITY First, the mere fact of confiding to a mind specialist (wquld, in the timid, mean one step toward sociability; it would also act as a modifier in cases in which habit tends to make them transpose their first thought into a senseless proposition. This will also be a great help by preparing the timid man eto join in discussions in the future. But one will ask, would it not be inconvenient to the timid to take refuge in the will of another instead of thinking for himself? No, not if the mentor be a conscient and a wise brán, for he will be able to inspire his pupil to rise above the efflueiice of his own will, and lead him to perceive the strength that lie possesses. The timid man may often be.compared to a timorous man who trembles when in solitude, but is reassured if near a child too weak to assist him in any yay. The mere fact of feeling that there is some one by is sufficient to cause his chilneras, which haunt him when alone, to disappear. There have been instances of timid persons having an, unnatural dread of crossing open places, but they will cross them all alone, and C ( ·> 3 5 ACQUISITION OF POISE 159 of their own free will, if accompanied by a child : who is under their protection. Assis the case with all the mentally deficient, the timid man feels he needs a support, no matter how frail, and this protection vill be still more felt if it be extended by an influchtịal man, those kind indulgence will be a great help to him. But it requires great tact to play the role ofn this mental healer, for if the tutelage be too apperent, it has a very bad influence on him le is trying to save. On the contrary, he should liken his disease to a child learning to talk, who should at times" be left alone but who starts forth with confiserive only when he has hold of a land to present him from falling. A child must have some liberty to awaken in hin a feeling of responsibility, and make mim talk, and if lis another never lets him: our of her arins le ha coinc- so acoustoined to her proincting.care that lie annets with corriente nhun. ever le pontures fortis. Lv't the timid man fesla-stress that should he beton conlist (l, no one will rilnul: liim, and he svill veure to speak out; am to overrone his 211ination to be presumptuoli, it is rc ·160 TIMIDITY ( sary to mål e him see things in their proper focus. In this cufe of timidity, requiring so much fact, it is the part of the doctor to take especial pains to induce his patient to cling to his resolutions which he is ofter, unable to do, on accourt of lack of will-pater. The doctor must also prepare liím by degrecs for a complete change in tis appearance and his views. And he should especially try to avoid the recurrence of anything calculated to proyoke worry and embarrassment, which precede these defeats. If ax'incident of this kind occur the mentor should at once make light of it by persuading the patient that it was not noticed. If he can pretend that he did not see it, he will lessen its importance, and also the chancas of the patient's repeating it. Yoritomo also gives his attention to the great care the man attempting to make the cure should take to gratify—without alarming his patientthe unacknowledged need of sympatły which all timid persons feel. “If people are too demonstrative," says he, "fhey frighten him, so the confidence of the patient must be gained by degrees. e ( ( ·2 . ACQUISITION OF POISE 161 "He shoqld be made to realize that he is supported by a firm and intelligent master, 'one who is. indulgent, and who takes a flattering interest in him; for his mental seclusion has always prevented him from being communicative. Those persons who do not strive të þecome known through works or speeches are soon forgotten. "The timid person is flattered to see that her is considered of some consequence, and he will gain confidence in himself'when with any one able to make him think, he understands him; so, by degrees, confidence increases between master and pupil, whidi results in opening the lips of the latter. "If the doctor can inspire the timid man with confidence in his prótection, and make him let dut his pent-up energy, he will gradually seek the support of this force, which will slowly permeate him, and modify his condition alaost before he knows it. "Than the cure is easy and all that has been „said on this subject can be put in practise with good results. "It can not be reiterated too often that one must persevere, notwithstanding the difficulties in the way.

·162
TIMIDITY
• "The timid person may, at rimes, be compared
to the chrysalis of a butterfly, which for lack of
needed sunlight and care, perishes miserably in
its ugly envelop, instead of charming us hy its
grace and brilliant coloring."

·LESSON XI
THE RECOGNITION OF ONE'S WORTH
The timid person, according to the teachings
of Yoritomo, may, like many others, o be cog,
nizant of his worth, but, says he, “it is very rare
that this convictiòn inspires him with a wish
to corroct his defect.
“Cognizance of his worth rarely produces in
thu timid any feeling but vanity.
“He considers it a'reasch why he should take
refige in his timidity, and disdainfully isolate
himself because he feels that no one understands
Him.
“He thinks the opinions of others are yery
unjust; but he suffers less from this than, one
would imagine. There is a special kind of pride
whicli canses him to constátulate hiinself on the
amiable way he bears this lack of appreciation.
“This does not have to amount to humiliating
him, in order to make him admire the stoicism
with which he submits to these trialş.
"His pride is certainly grafted on a great deal
>
163

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·1 RECOGNITION OF WORTH' 165 "On the contrary, heⓇowho is cognizant of - possessing good qualities which he stands ibady to defend, regrets this tendency to admire oneself, and judges himself, most impartially. "He courts severe criticism, as a nieans of gaining a perfect knowledge of his aptitudes, and takes the easiest road to cultivate them. “As he acknowžedges his faults he profits by reproof, and he is willing to turn back, change his plans, or, if need 'be, the orientation of his energy, if he feel himself on a path leading nowhere. "Instead of isolating himself, and draping himself in false dignity, he'will—provided he be deeply imprest with his worth, and also that he recognize his faults—try to expand, by taking valuable advice. “And he will discuss subjects calmly and quietly without giving way to the impressionability that makes the timid one-sided vand stubborn. "It is an acknowledged part that he who greatly overvalues, or undervalues himself can not expect to be successful. In the first case he is blinded by his self-sufficiency; in the second, he believes himself sy inferior that he has not the courage to strive to excel. ;

·166 TIMIDITY , "The best way of dinding' good material for maling comparisons in to study those who have attained the first rank. The most powerful men', usually have some defects of character, a fact which should serve 'to encourage men who have a just, appreciation of their own, worth. "One should not forget that mistrust of oneself kills all initiative, and prevents one from accomplishing any kind of work, for one can not succeeå in an enterprise if it be not uldertaken with the conviction that it is going to be saccessful. "If, on 'making certain comparisons, we feel assured that we have as great' ability as those who have attained to brilliant positions, tre - should confidently make the attempt on which depends future success, in whatever form it presents itself “If,' on the contrary, on examining ourselves. impartially, we find that we have 'not so much knowledge as those whom we take for our models, far from being discouifred, we must, on the contrary, try to acquire these qualities, at the same time carefully fostering the advantages we have over those we emulae. "And then, it is not necessary to imitate great men in order to become celebrated in our turn, ·RECOGNITION OF WORTH - 157 > 1 1 “On the contrały it is a good thing to préserve our personality, as well as our virtues; and "sometimes even slight defects, when' well regulated, may lead to success. "Have all fruits the same flavor? Do they all look alike? “If some of them are rough, will that roughness not serve to protect theis hearts? And if others are bitter, do they not enclose the sooth, ing balm, the virtues of which are concealed by the bitterness. "It is most important to guard parents and educators against the stupid custom of humiliating children before their faces, under pretence of preventing them from Being proud. "When will’we comprehend that pride, well directed, may lead' to 'the accomplishment of great deeds that humility can never attain to. "We do not refer here to the humility that makes a great display, by exhibiting itself everywhere, for that is only augther form of pride. are only discussize voluntary effacement caused by distrusting oneself, which results in those who yield to it, feeling themselves to be inferior. “We can not sufficiently blame, people who are bringing up children, for saying to them: 1 We ·168 TIMIDITY arYou have no brainstor, How ugly you are!? "Even if it be true it makes thđ child emphasize his physical or mental defect. “There are few people without some good points. ' Oftentimes the most ill-favored person has, some one charm. "Even those who have scarcely any intelligence frequently liave one faculty developed out of all proportion to the others. “It is this one charm, this one facưity phich should be cultivated: If, however, the Person be inclined to be vain, a few discreet lemarks may be made to the effect that in other ways le is far from perfect. "Instead of saying to a child, 'How agly you are!' provided it be the truth, we should try to 'reep him from noticing it, for the feeling that he is Jess favored than others may Icad to an embarrassment engendered by the shame he ex periences on becoming conscious of his inferiority. "He who 4hinks himself 'ugly' has pot the same poisę as another when out in the world,, and if he become envious, which is almost always inseparable from such an avowal, he will swell the list of the many timid persoas afflicted with envy, whose grievances we have narrated.

·1 RECOGNITION OF WORTH' 169, “This mistaken method of preveating vanitya is still even more culpable wheul dimed at the intellect. "I knew a child whese mind-evidently not well trained—was atrophied by severe criticism. "He was so weak that he could not be taught the principals of art, or of war, and he became utterly indifferent to everything, and somewhat suspicious. All his family noticed this. "Wher wandering in the garden; he would hum to himself, and dream, and he would not apply 'himself to anything, so his family gave him up as a hopeless case. HI became interested iu' him, especially as saw that this young boy was a victim of the prejudice which endeavored to make people realize what they should, be, by making tyam 'abject, in other words precluding them from making any efforts. "I cultivated the boy's acquaintance, 'and, without frightening him. I induced him to speak.. Our conversions were always very simple—the flowers in the garden, the butterflies, furnishing the stībjects. “One day I said to him. "As you are so afond of butterflies and flowers, why don't you read about them?' I ) ·said he. By, IVO TIMIDITY '“Ile gave me a frightened glance. "'I can't 'learz Anything, parents say it was "time lost trying to teach me anything, for I svas' too stupid to learn." ; 11 Would you like to try?' "I don't know.' "As he said this, a many-colored butterfly settled on a large lily; the child seized my hand. ""Hot beautiful it is!' said he, in wonder. "Then I' began to explain to him how the larva was transformed into the brilliant insect "The child listened iu rapt attention. "After some weeks of daily intercourse le told me that he has studying in bool:s about the things I had told him. I encoyraged' him hy praising his newly acquired knowledge, and I spoke of him, before his face, praising his at-, taininents. "this young boy who had been thrust aside gradually lost the feeling that he was insignificant, ánd so he willinnly talked of what he had learned, and he heard yhe sweet sounds of praise. "He became one of the most distinguished naturalists, and his parents, who once thought that he could accomplish nothing, are now proud of him.

·*RECOGNITION OF WORTH · 171 "What was the tause of this metamorphosis? :. The realizaſion of his ownly worth that I had in. culcated in the little child who had been made to believe that he was a hopeless nonentity. "This is a more difficult task when treating undeniable physical defacts. "Then it is that we should strive to develop the good qualities of the mind and sow the field with all kinds of knowledge, so that when the child grows to be a man he will be so.cognizant of hiš, intellectuality that he will not feel disturbed by his physical defects. "It is always bad to hide from children the knowledge of their goos! points; there are cases in which this method _based on a narrow judgmeát-may become criminal. "Was it not Shogun, who, nearer our ove times, said that the sadness of him who is ignorant of the world is but the cowardico of "him who despairs of success.' “Why, then, close the door of the world to any human being, by reiūsing himoits key; the recognition of his own worth.”'

·LESSON XII THE RIGHT ATTITUDE AMONG the many remarks we have culled from the valuable works of Yoritomo, there is Ene which especially strikes us. “The bearing of a person, even nfore, than his face, is the index of his soul.” And he adds: “That is why the movements of the timid are ålways gauche, indicating a lack of sincerity, which is one of their failings, for it is rarely that his words correspond to his thoughts. Freedom of thought afone gives ease of modement, which we value above everything. "erhis grace of movement can never be atı tained by the timid, for the following reasons: The gesture always precedes the speech, for it takes place when the impression is made. "As this impression, in the case before us, is extremely mobile and unstable the movements expressing it would be discordant and disjointed. C { 6 172 ·3 > THE RIGHT ATTITUDE , 179 “This is very apparent when ţistening to actors whóəhave not perfected themselves in the fine points of their art. "The words they speak merely voice a 'reflected sentiment, and they accent it by gestures which follow the words, instead of preceding them, as woulą be the case in real life. "That explains the motions made by all timid persons. “Can we say that a blustering manner is more nearly allied to the truth in that it is less constrained ? “By no means. He 'alone who can combine judicious reserve with self-mastery has sufficient control over himself to have, sincere manners, wảich he will always retain, as they are natural.. to him. S "One must take especial care not to be wrecked on the shoals, well known to so many timid people; who, in order to avoid embarrassment when in public assume an extreme coldness of manner. They imagine that in this way they hide their emotions and escape the martyrdom, of coming in contact with,people. “Some of them take refuge in , a disdainful silence; they consider a mocking smile an easy > ·ce 1974 TIMIDITY Way of replying tą an argument. This behavior, which enables them to get their bearings, possesses the advantage of giving them time to think, and to form their sentences. "By the time tlie sentence is painfully put together it is usually too late to speak it, the conversation having taken another turn; and the opportunity for making the remark that he has elaborated with so much care has long since passed by “For others, these differen't devices have but one advantage, which is that böy employikg them the timid 'can obviate reflection which, as their minds lack 'virility, is a clow process with them. "The timid also feign “gentleness, and they - are obsequiously polite; they do not know Kow to make objections nor to banter and so they git, their approval to everything,. without exer cising any judgment. "These remarks apply especially to the humhle; they live in perpetual dread of displeasing, and are disturbed by what others think of them. 4"Are they mpre sincere ! Certainly not, for for their entire countenan indicates embarrassment and artifice. “This timid person seems to be steeped in, ( ·THE RIGHT ATTITUDE · 195 humility, is often rebellious; the other one walks.. through life with head bent down and .eyes slowered, and pities every one else for not living *up to the ideals he has created, and to which he, himself, is not able to attain. “But the timid will, scarcely admit that to themselves, as in their innet life they are Pery audacious. They mistrust those who do not know the wonderful deeds of which they dream them, selves capable. Phe bearing of the timorous is insincere. They are inclined to mysticism, not so much through conviction and striving aftet an ideal, assthrough fear of being punished in the next world. • They lead a life like a rabbit, and every; thing which 'disturbs them, whether under Ze guise of pleasure or of grief, frightens them "As the rabbit fears the approach of , the hunter, so they fear everything that can lead to an event in the piteous round of their dayş; and the slightest incident disturbs thend greatly. They are always pessimistic, and they also 'have this peculiarity that they are But slightly affected by a great joy, but are dismayed at the "It is very wrong to confound them with the least contrariety. 3 11131 ·176 1 [ TIMIDITY •modest, whio are one species in the order of beings devoid of energy. "Modesty, the virtue wrongfully, lauded hy all, writers, nevertheless possesses a great personal value, sot usually recognized, and in that lies the blame. For the salue of the common good no one has the right to let the ability within him lie dormant. "But the humble can not reproach themselves with this. If they are humble it is usually because they have no salient characteristicse, their faculties are undeveloped and dull, as trell as their minds and their persons, while their bearing reflects their inefficiency. "Reserve, calmness, presence of mind, all These attributes of energy consciếnt of its force, are the qualities which should reflect in the bearing lsf him wiło possesses this virtue. "movements prompted by clear reasoning are alwats in harmony with the thoughts, and produce the poetry of motion which we value more than anything, especially because it reflects the G soul. 1 "The strong man ought not to be too talkative, or too taciturn; too apathetic, or too turbulent; too absequious, or too irascible. "His conduct will be absolutely ruled by ·· THE RIGHT ATTITUDE ine giving things their proper weight. This virtue, which can only be attained by the eaergetic, will · govern his thoughts, regulate his impulses and his movements, impressing one with the perfect harmony of his physical bearing, a veritable reflex of his mental attitude." As we read in the precepts of the venerable Shogun; the true) bearing, which should be the objective point of every effort, is only the diredt consequence of a sound soul manifesting itself exterally. It is the indelible mark by which one can recognize all the energetic, that is to say those who are freed from tiłe shortcomings attributed to the timid and have undertaken this journey toward the highest development, an instance which Yoritomo narrates in one of those epo ogs which he loves so well, "Some men,' says he, "set out on a journey to a marvelous country. A large company had started, but after a few days the ranks thinned out. Some of them the timorous, who were encumbered with a burden of useless scruples, succumbed under the weight of their burden. “Others, the timid;" were frightened by the difficulties they fourd’in taking the initiative, always so painful to them. 3 1 ·18 TIMIDITY "The modest, after a few days march, fell behind, fearulg'to berlooked at, and people were al., ready beginning to leave them to themselves "The apathetic,, having grown weary, lay down in the ditches by the side of the road, and slowly ate the provision's they kad brought for the journey, never thinking of tite time later on when they mightºneed them." • “The blusterers and the presumptuous, after having given way to the most ardent enthusiasm, had retreated at the first appearance of danger. “The envious, instead of trying to emulate the courage of those at the head of the column, only tried to put obştacieş in their way, over which they themselves were the first toʻstumble. "Those who were rash were thinned out in consequence of their senseless imprudence. caso ethat after some days onlj a handful reached Eden, the end of their route. "And these men were the energetic, those to whome this yirtue lrad given the audacity, ambition, cool-lieadedness, and self-maşterfi necessary to overcome the perils and, if need be, ward them off · Those whose «calm and dignified demeanor had imprest their companions soon followed their example, the value of their procedure having profoundly imprest them.'

·THE RIGHT ATTITUDE 179
The true bearing is then that which allows
, the exercise of tractable Will, 'conqueror of
•timidity.
It originates always in a nobleness of soul
which is its own recompense, for it is by, this
nobility, which is the enemy of timidity, that
we can acquire serenity, the most enviable of all
gifts, because it leads us near to Happiness by
making it possible for us to discern Beauty
sleeping in every thing.

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