5/42 It must be the outcome of the heart, or it will make no lasting impression; for no amount of polish can dispense with truthfulness. The natural character must be allowed to appear, freed of its angularities and asperities. Though politeness, in its best form, should [18as St.Francis de Sales says] resemble water--"best when clearest, most simple, and without taste,"-- yet genius in a man will always cover many defects of manner, and much will be excused to the strong and the original. Without genuineness and individuality, human life would lose much of its interest and variety, as well as its manliness and robustness of character. It exhibits itself in the disposition to contribute to the happiness of others, and in refraining from all that may annoy them. |