In family life and in community life it is by quite little details that we can make those around us happy or unhappy. Mistakes, oversights, want of politeness, want of thought, rudeness, bitter words, raillery -- these things tend to sadden our brethren and to make their lives very painful.
On the contrary, by few charitable attentions we shall help them to find a sort of paradise in their humble home. A plaything given to a child, a word of sympathy addressed to an equal or an inferior, a pleasantry that lightens the heart, a little compliment to encourage good will -- one of those mere nothings that would give pleasure to ourselves in similar circumstances.
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The Art of Being Happy
