If others are the cause of anger to us, keep away from them, and if we must associate with them, keep cool and bide your opportunity. PRACTICE LOGIC, COMMON SENSE AND TACT When a man can give a good reason for what he does he practices logic. Not excuses for doing what he should not do, but REASONS why. When he gives good reasons, and follows the universal practice of other men under the same circumstances, he practices common sense. When he does things in a quiet, unobtrusive, and agreeable manner, so that other men are satisfied with his way, he practices tact. These three qualities are badges of success among every nation and in every occupation, trade, or profession. The business and professional resourcefulness of every man is not measured upon the quantity of his learning, or his high proficiency, but according to his ability to apply what he knows to the matter in hand. A man may be able to measure the stars, and yet not be able to saw a board straight. Such a man may know much but he makes a poor carpenter. A man should reason with himself as to the best way of doing anything, and then do it, giving good reasons for it. Common sense is good judgment applied to the every day things of life, and tact is doing those things without disturbing others or by considering their feelings with as much care as you do your own. To use a common expression: “You have got to worm things out of the world, but you must do it as gently as inserting a corkscrew in a stubborn cork.” _ENCOURAGE OTHERS_ When you encourage others to go ahead with what they are doing, with a cheery word or a pleasant smile, you are laying up treasure for yourself. For the man you encourage will encourage you, and heaven knows we all need encouragement. Many men stand on the verge of a precipice of indecision, not being able to decide whether they should draw back or fall over. It is not help these men want so much as it is encouragement. They are able to help themselves but they haven’t the nerve, and you give them a word of cheer or encouragement, and they get right with themselves and their work. If a man starts into business and you can trade with him, do so, and that will encourage him to go ahead and strive to be successful. He may be a beginner at manufacturing something for the use of others. Tell him how his work or productions are well received, or take one yourself and use it even if you do not want it. You encourage him to go on, and by and by you may be in a position where you will need a little encouragement, then he will remember you. It is customary for the unthinking to imagine that they must do something big or great in order to expect returns, but this is a mistake. We show our greatness in little things, because we know that many little things make up a great thing. The more small things we do the greater will be the accumulation in the end.