The Code of the Good American

I found an old book recently in a used bookstore (sometimes these stores are our society's most priceless of jewels). Published in 1941, the book is called The American Citizens Handbook.

The book's author quotes William J. Hutchins' 1916 text, "The Code of the Good American." Mr. Hutchins' words are rather urgent for us as Americans today. Have we strayed far since his words nearly 100 years? It's important to remember not to injure another, whether in word or in deed.

Here are his words:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THE LAW OF SELFCONTROL

"The Good American Controls Himself. "Those who best control themselves can best serve their country.

• "I will control my tongue, and will not allow it to speak mean, vulgar, or profane words. I will think before I speak. I will tell the truth and nothing but the truth.
• "I will control my temper, and will not get angry when people or things displease me. Even when indignant against wrong and contradicting falsehood, I will keep my selfcontrol.
• "I will control my thoughts, and will not allow a foolish wish to spoil a wise purpose.
• "I will control my actions. I will be careful and thrifty, and insist on doing right.
• "I will not ridicule nor defile the character of another; I will keep my selfrespect, and help others to keep theirs."
  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That kind of says it all, doesn't it?