Editorial October 13, 1980 Issue

Do, more than say

NATHAN A. TALBOT

What we say can be important. But usually not as important as what we do. What we do gives integrity to what we say.

There's nothing wrong with saying things that ought to be said. All of us need to be roused now and then with words that instill purpose and give moral direction. A statesman, a clergyman, a commentator, all may have worthwhile things to say. And yet when we take a good look at the virtual flood of words that reaches so many people each day, a little more doing of those high-sounding things we're saying may be in order.

How do we set out to make ours more a world of worthy deeds than one weighted with endless words? The answer can start right at home. If our own acts fail to measure up to our words—and perhaps for most of us they do sometimes falter—a specific goal can be set. We can determine that we're going to let our daily lives, more than our words, speak for us. This may call for strong discipline. Especially if we've been in the habit of merely verbalizing our views instead of letting them shine through divinely impelled actions.

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