Page:Convocation Addresses of the Universities of Bombay and Madras.djvu/520

 I venture here to offer a suggestion, which may possibly savour of novelty or superfluity. The anxiety of an earnest well-wisher will, I hope, excuse it. You are, of course, conversant with moral principles. You know what acts morality forbids. But you may as well know also what acts the law forbids with much greater force. I refer to acts which the law makes penal. The catalogue of such offences includes some which may not be always present to common sense. Again, some of them partake of an artificial or technical character. It would, therefore, seem desirable that young men about to enter the world should glance over the Penal Code and its lucid definitions, in order that they may take care that they are not unconsciously or inadvertently caught in the meshes of that comprehensive Code. The law of defamation, for instance, deserves to be kept in view. It may be usefully remembered that no one can plead ignorance of the law to excuse its infraction.

Do not despise good manners, as these form an important element on which success depends. They materially diminish the friction which attends passage through life. I have met instances in which bad manners seriously marred great abilities or moral worth. And yet it is easy to acquire good manners by a little study and by a little observation. You may remember with advantage that good manners are to life what oil is to machinery. I hope it will not be a consequence of your English education that you will superciliously neglect those cheap graces and unbidden amenities of your social life, which soften and sweeten your relations with the people immediately around you.

In life you come in contact with innumerable men, whose feelings are like your own. Be careful not to hurt their feelings needlessly. By all means express yourself truthfully, but, as far as possible, refrain from causing pain. Avoid words which imply passion or vituperation. We Natives are careful in this respect by habit and tradition, and education may be expected to intensify the good quality. Great and good men are popular in proportion they cultivate this habit of respecting others' feelings. Distinguished European examples are within your sight.

Differences of opinion too often characterise and divide Native communities implying prevalence of different degrees of knowledge, differing capacities for judgment, diversity of interests, differing passions and prejudices, and multiplicity of standards of right and wrong.