Editorial September 12, 1942 Issue

Thinking Out Loud

Peter V. Ross

No one can stop thinking. Nor does he need to. The demand is to give thought intelligent direction and to refrain from broadcasting it on every provocation. For if "a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver," it is equally true that "whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles."

The discreet man ordinarily says little to others about his plans and ambitions. Leaning on divine intelligence and resorting to tested experience, he formulates his program, puts it into execution, and accomplishes his purpose before friends have an opportunity to darken counsel by words without knowledge. There may be no more involved than a vacation or a trip to the metropolis. Whatever the venture, there are sure to be those at hand, with the best of intentions, eager to press their notions and opinions as to the best course to pursue. Moreover, impersonal evil, in common parlance the devil, has a clever fashion of putting obstacles in the way the moment a project is announced.

The populace clamor to be taken into the confidence of the government or army, but on second thought they hardly expect to be. They realize, today, the hazard involved. The generalissimo with his staff, or the prime minister with his cabinet, must succeed or fail on the best policy or strategy he can, with divine help, evolve. The rank and file have little choice, when the crisis comes, but to stay up the hands of the leader. Almost any proposition, however valid, rapidly loses respect and virility when thrown into the arena of public discussion. No nation dare voice its stratagem, of course. Nor does a judicious individual often make known his aspiration or intention. For thereby the undertaking becomes the football of fortune. Goethe sums up the situation in his masterful way—

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Editorial
Aspiration
September 12, 1942
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit