the strongest prejudices--but to whom you became bound by a lifelong
friendship through the influence of a three days' intercourse? Yet,
if you had not thus met, you would have carried through life the idea
that it would be impossible for you to give your fellowship to such an
individual.

8. THE FOOLISHNESS OF MAN.--God has introduced into human character
infinite variety, and for you to say that you do not love and will not
associate with a man because he is unlike you, is not only foolish but
wrong. You are to remember that in the precise manner and decree in
which a man differs from you, do you differ from him; and that from
his standpoint you are naturally as repulsive to him, as he, from
your standpoint, is to you. So, leave all this talk of congeniality to
silly girls and transcendental dreamers.

9. DO BUSINESS IN YOUR WAY AND BE HONEST.--Do your business in your
own way, and concede to every man the privilege which you claim for
yourself. The more you mix with men, the less you will be disposed to
quarrel, and the more charitable and liberal will you become. The fact
that you do not understand a man, is quite as likely to be your fault
as his. There are a good many chances in favor of the conclusion that,
if you fail to like an individual whose acquaintance you make it is
through your own ignorance and illiberality. So I say, meet every man
honestly; seek to know him; and you will find that in those points
in which he differs from you rests his power to instruct you, enlarge
you, and do you good. Keep your heart open for everybody, and be sure
that you shall have your reward. You shall find a jewel under the most
uncouth exterior; and associated with homeliest manners and oddest
ways and ugliest faces, you will find rare virtues, fragrant little
humanities, and inspiring heroisms.