1. Keep skid chains on your tongue; always say less
than you think. Cultivate a low, persuasive voice. How
you say it counts more than what you say.
2. Make promises sparingly, and keep them faithfully,
no matter what it costs.
3. Never let an opportunity pass to say a kind and
encouraging word to or about somebody. Praise good
work, regardless of who did it. If criticism is needed,
criticize helpfully, never spitefully.
4. Be interested in others, their pursuits, their work,
their homes and families. Make merry with those
who rejoice; with those who weep, mourn. Let every
one you meet, however humble, feel that you regard
him as a person of importance.
5. Be cheerful. Don't burden or depress those around
you by dwelling on your minor aches and pains and
small disappointments. Remember, everyone is
carrying some kind of a load.
6. Keep an open mind. Discuss but don't argue. It is
a mark of a superior mind to be able to disagree with
out being disagreeable.
7. Let your virtues speak for themselves. Refuse to
talk of another's vices. Discourage gossip. It is a
waste of valuable time and can be extremely destructive.
8. Be careful of another's feelings. Wit and humor
at the other person's expense are rarely worth it
and may hurt when least expected.
9. Pay no attention to ill-natured remarks about
you. Remember, the person who carried the
message may not be the most accurate
reporter in the world. Simply live so that
nobody will believe them. Disordered nerves
and bad digestion are a common cause of backbiting.
10. Don't be too anxious about the credit due you.
Do your best, and be patient. Forget about yourself,
and let others "remember." Success is much sweeter that way.
