Divine Library is a free online public library that includes free eBook downloads and free audio books.
We work with New Thought Seekers and Sharers around the world
insuring that all New Thought Texts in the Public Domain
are available for you to read on the web for free, forever!
Navigate through this book by clicking Next Page or Previous
Page below the text of the page & jump directly to chapters using the chapter numbers above the text.
Lesson 5 - A Little Worldly Wisdom - p. 24
How to influence the Active partner - Conversation - The art of listening - Carlyle and his visitor - A delightful conversation - Keep yourself positive - Appearance - Apparel - Clean linen - Perfumes - Cleanliness - Manner - Reserve - Temper - Fearlessness - Self-Respect - Consideration for others - Frankness - Earnestness - Firm handshake - The eye - Tone of voice - A useful rule - How to remedy deficiencies in manner.
In the preceding lesson I compared the two functions of the mind of each individual, to the two brothers - partners in a business enterprise. For the convenience of explanation, I will continue this illustration, which is quite applicable to the real state of affairs.
This Active partner is a "particular" old fellow, and needs considerable humoring, and careful handling. He is influenced, to some extent, by the conversation, appearance, manner, voice, eye, etc., and each Active partner has his own tastes and peculiarities, although there are some things, which they all have in common.
As to conversation, we should if possible ascertain what interests, but do not make the mistake of talking too much."Give the old man a chance." You should talk until you get him well started on a favorite topic, and then you keep quiet. You should cultivate the art of listening, for it is one of the most valuable accomplishments in the world. Many a man (or woman) has risen to a high position simply by being a good listener. You may remember the old tale told of Thomas Carlyle. A visitor once called on him, and being a good listener and a student of human nature as well, managed to get him started talking on a
