As for reason (which makes conduct, and is not unconnected with the
making of principles), it plays a far smaller part in our lives than
we fancy. We are supposed to be reasonable but we are much more
instinctive than reasonable. And the less we reflect, the less
reasonable we shall be. The next time you get cross with the waiter
because your steak is over-cooked, ask reason to step into the
cabinet-room of your mind, and consult her. She will probably tell
you that the waiter did not cook the steak, and had no control over
the cooking of the steak; and that even if he alone was to blame,
you accomplished nothing good by getting cross; you merely lost your
dignity, looked a fool in the eyes of sensible men, and soured the
waiter, while producing no effect whatever on the steak.
The result of this consultation with reason (for which she makes no
charge) will be that when once more your steak is over-cooked you
will treat the waiter as a fellow-creature, remain quite calm in a
kindly spirit, and politely insist on having a fresh steak.
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