Timidity, How To Overcome It; By Yoritomo-Tashi

Synopsis

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1915. Excerpt: ... LESSON VII ESTHETICISM AND TIMIDITY Tho this word has but recently come into use, what it stands for is eternal. This instinct, contrary to all others, says Yoritomo, does not originate in conversations, nor in the vague impetus of self-defense that determines most of our actions or our impulses. It originates in a state of mind in which one is satisfied to look at what seems to bring him nearer to perfection. It is a flight toward the ideal; it is in a way collaborating with the Creator, since our spirit has the power to evolve something charming by, means of the necessary implements, etc. A painter who takes a paint-brush and a piece of canvas and paints a picture which calls forth enthusiastic admiration; a musician who accompanies on his flute the story of the noble deeds of warriors--provided they are able to thrill our hearts with the same enthusiasm that animated those whose prowess they recall, are the creators, while we are the collaborators. ' One need not take an active part in order to play this last role; it suffices to feel within oneself the emotion which for a moment unites our soul to its Maker. ' This emotion is the real social leveling; for, granting that the main aim in life is to embellish it as much as possible, it has been ascertained that the most dejected when admiring a landscape, or looking at a sunset; listening to the harmonies of music, or watching rhythmic dances, feel an intoxication of joy the memory of which will brighten the hard days of labor. Every one, no matter in what condition of life he be, should strive after the beautiful. The great teachers from the earliest antiquity devoted their attention especially to this, and the masterpieces they have left us more than prove what importance the ancients attached to the beauty of posture. T...