from Amphibious Force Pacific Fleet – The Amphibian “Pitching Halos”
A Good Name. How sadly mistaken we are if we have the idea that happiness ini life depends upon the things we have! The great Teacher said, “A man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” In other words success in life is not determined by who we are or who our ancestors were.
So, individually we must have ideals, standards and principles. Paraphrasing another quotation: “What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his good name!”
You will remember old king Midas, who attached so much importance to material things that even his lovely daughter was turned to gold.
We are reminded of such good examples as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Robert E. Lee, gentlemen who valued their good names even more than life itself.
One of our poets has put the thought into these words: Who steals my purse steals trash; ’tis something, nothing; ’twas mine, ’tis his, and has been slave to thousands; but he that filches from me my good name robs me of that which not enriches him; and makes me poor indeed.”
“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches and loving favor rather than silver and gold.”
