y women, and that
nearly all of them have had her for their inspiration.

The value of woman's society on character and intellect is above that
of the conversation of the most learned and experienced men. It is the
elemental and natural in her that give a perspective of life and its
larger purposes that man alone cannot possibly secure.

The sum of practical wisdom for young men is to keep close to the
elemental principles. I think Marcus Aurelius says, in his philosophy,
"Let your principles be few and elemental." And here again the Bible
puts it even better than this glorious old Stoic, directing us "to do
justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God."

Above all things, do not lose your confidence in your fellow men. You
are not a very great man if you are not great enough to stand
betrayal. You would better have your confidence broken a dozen times a
day than to fall into the attitude of universal suspicion.

Keep your sweet faith in our common humanity, do not excite your
nerves and intellect by intoxicants, keep close to the saving and
elevating influence of women, and then--go ahead and work as hard as
you please, be as keen as you choose, fight as savagely as you like,
and there is no power that can stay your conquest of the world; for
the very nature of things themselves and the whole order of the
universe are your allies and your servants. But do not get the
impression that you are to be maudlinly "good." Oh, no! that is as
fatal almost as wickedness.

X

THE YOUNG MAN AND THE NATION

You are an American--remember that; and be proud of it, too. It is the
noblest circumstance in your life. Think what it means: The greatest
people on earth--to be one of that people; the most powerful
Nation--to be a member of that Nation; the best and freest
institutions among men--to live under those institutions; the richest
land under any flag--to know that land for your country and your home;
the most fortunate period in human history--to live in such a day.
This is a dim and narrow outline of what it means to be an American.
Glory in that fact, therefore. Your very being cannot be too highly
charged with Americanism. And do not be afraid to assert it.

The world forgives the egotist of patriotism. "We Germans fear God,
and nothing else!" thundered Bismarck on closing his greatest speech
before the Reichstag. It was the very frenzy of pride of race and
country. Yet even his enemies applauded.