Simple honesty of purpose in a man goes a long way in life, if
founded on a just estimate of himself and a steady obedience to
the rule he knows and feels to be right. It holds a man straight,
gives him strength and sustenance, and forms a mainspring of
vigorous action. 'No man," once said Sir Benjamin Rudyard, "is
bound to be rich or great,--no, nor to be wise; but every man is
bound to be honest." (4)
But the purpose, besides being honest, must be inspired by sound
principles, and pursued with undeviating adherence to truth,
integrity, and uprightness. Without principles, a man is like a
ship without rudder or compass, left to drift hither and thither
with every wind that blows. He is as one without law, or rule, or
order, or government. "Moral principles," says Hume, "are social
and universal. They form, in a manner, the PARTY of humankind
against vice and disorder, its common enemy."
Epictetus once received a visit from a certain magnificent orator
going to Rome on a lawsuit, who wished to learn from the stoic
something of his philosophy. Epictetus received his visitor
coolly, not believing in his sincerity. "You will only criticise
my style," said he; "not really wishing to learn principles."--
"Well, but," said the orator, "if I attend to that sort of thing;
I shall be a mere pauper, like you, with no plate, nor equipage,
nor land."--"I don't WANT such things," replied Epictetus; "and
besides, you are poorer than I am, after all.
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