Remember honest labor, no matter how humble, is ever dignified. If you
are a woman throw aside the pen, sit down and darn your brother's, your
father's, or your husband's socks, or put on a calico apron, take soap
and water and scrub the floor. No matter who you are do something useful.
That old sophistry about the world owing you a living has been exploded
long ago. The world does not owe you a living, but you owe it servitude,
and if you do not pay the debt you are not serving the purpose of an
all-wise Providence and filling the place for which you were created. It
is for you to serve the world, to make it better, brighter, higher, holier,
grander, nobler, richer, for your having lived in it. This you can do in
no matter what position fortune has cast you, whether it be that of
street laborer or president. Fight the good fight and gain the victory.

"Above all, to thine own self be true,
And 'twill follow as the night the
day, Thou canst not then be false to any man."




CHAPTER XIII

CHOICE OF WORDS

Small Words--Their Importance--The Anglo-Saxon Element


In another place in this book advice has been given to never use a long
word when a short one will serve the same purpose. This advice is to be
emphasized. Words of "learned length and thundering sound" should be