Forest City Courier, Apr. 6, 1939

Do we ever think of ourselves as students of human nature? I think everyone is to a certain extent. It is necessary to understand human mature in order to get along with others. We would certainly be less selfish and self-centered if we would learn to respect the other person’s viewpoint. Perhaps they have reasons for their attitudes and feelings which we cannot appreciate without knowing all the circumstances, and that accounts often for many unpleasant situations which could easily be avoided. No book is more helpful in the study of human nature than the Bible. We all know that the Bible as literature is unexcelled anywhere in the world. Some of its language has never been surpassed for simplicity, nobility and quality. The parables such as the prodigal son and the parable of the talents are good lessons in the study of human nature. One reason for the greatness of Shakespeare was his understanding of human nature and his ability to portray life in natural setting. Although he wrote over three hundred years ago his plays have continued to hold the highest place in the dramatic field. The characters that he portrays in his play “Macbeth” might well be people of today, except for the difference in customs and beliefs. Human nature does not change greatly with the passing of time. Throughout the ages people have had the same hopes and fears, the same ideals, the same attitude toward other people. Were Shakespeare living now, we wonder what his pen would portray in such a restless, mad, war-torn world.

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The boundless beauty of springtime is everywhere. Plants and trees are taking on a delicate shade of green. Seeds are bursting forth with a promise of gay flowers to come to add color to warm summer days. The view from the hospital sun porch affords a green expanse of velvety lawn bordered with baby boxwood. In the center is a pool of transparent clearness. Across the lawn against the opposite building is a bed of tulips, their green foliage protecting ad urging the buds to open and flaunt their gay colors, like so many little sun-bonneted maids in a colorful parade. Inside the hospital, competent nurses in crisp uniforms tread softly along the corridors, ministering lovingly and cheerfully to the patients. All around is a reassuring atmosphere of the weak being made strong, the sick being made well. Springtime is here and it is good to be alive in this land of America far from the sounds of guns and the ravages of war.

Reprinted with permission from The Daily Courier. Copyright owned by The Daily Courier.