Page:Hill's manual of social and business forms.djvu/181

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PLEASANT WORDS AND AGREEABLE MANNERS.

O be loved is the instinctive desire of every human heart. To be respected, to be honored, to be successful, is the un14 versal ambition. The ever constant desire of all is to be happy. This never varying instinct lies at the foundation of every action; it is the constantly propelling force in our every effort.

To be happy, we strive for the acquisition of wealth, for position and place, for social and political distinction. And when all is obtained, the real enjoyment in its possession comes from the thousand little courtesies that are exchanged between individuals—pleasant words and kindly acts, which the poor may enjoy as well as the rich.

In reality it need not take much to make one happy. Our real wants are very few. To be fed and clothed, and provided with comfortable shelter, are the, prime necessities. Added to these are kindness and love from those with whom we associate. Given all these, with a contented spirit, and, however lowly our position, we may be very happy.

There is one perpetual law, however, running through all our intercourse with others, which is that we may rightly possess nothing without rendering therefor just compensation. This law is recognized in the commercial world, and it should be strictly observed in the etiquette of social life.