There are many other things that pertain to human life in its aspects as a road to success. But when you have done your best, do not be anxious because you have not done more. No man can accomplish everything in one short life, and the best we can do is all that is required of us. Look upon every man as a fellow worker, not in a vale of tears, but as cultivating a pleasant valley blooming with flowers. If your friend falls down help him up, and he will help you in return. If he offends you, do not notice it, for no man deliberately offends a friend. If disagreement is likely to lead to trouble, turn around to your opponent’s way of thinking. Everybody has burdens to bear; and never forget that yours are not the only ones hard to carry. Be a man who dares, and when life’s fitful fever is over, and you have accomplished all you could according to your lights and your ability, let a feeling of peace steal over you, and trust in God for the rest.
The man who desires to become a man of courage, and a man who dares, may gain force from the words of wisdom in the wise man’s philosophy expressed in the following essentials.
“Who so wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the loving kindness of the Lord.”
—(Psalms CV, 11–43.)
THE WISE MAN’S PHILOSOPHY
A WORLD OF KNOWLEDGE
For Progressive Colored Americans
“The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.”
—(Proverbs XVI, 21)