Article November 11, 1972 Issue

Silencing the Horn of Criticism

JOHN S. HOCKER

I was driving with my family in heavy traffic. Suddenly the car ahead stopped, the driver apparently unwilling to proceed. Instantly critical of this seemingly purposeless delay, I sounded the car horn impatiently.

At almost the same moment, however, it became obvious that there was some sort of engine trouble and that the delay was beyond the other driver's control. Chagrined at my own lack of courtesy, I mumbled apologies under my breath. Then one of my young passengers asked smilingly, "Why don't you 'un–honk'?"

People often experience similar situations. Too frequently they obey the impulse occasioned by impatience and lack of understanding to sound the horn of criticism, only to realize later that the noise was unwarranted. By then it is too late to un–honk.

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November 11, 1972
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