Article January 5, 1974 Issue

"Cool it, man!"

PAUL AGNEW RANDALL

In a metropolitan neighborhood known for its violence I recently spent some time among young people. At one point a circle of young men and women were heatedly discussing personal problems. Suddenly one of them, shaking with rage and apparently losing all sense of control, gestured wildly and launched forth into violent epithets.

"Cool it, man!" came a quiet voice from the group, and surprisingly the shouting instantly abated. An influence for good had silenced the uncontrolled outburst. What had happened?

Everyone naturally desires to assume his position of respect among his peers. Among many this need seems to be foremost. To be respected demands mental balance, self-assurance, soundly based self-knowledge not subject to erratic emotionalism or instability. Undoubtedly "Cool it, man!" often embraces poise and calls forth this admirable characteristic.

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