Every so often, something comes along that I want to share with everyone — something that doesn’t necessarily fit neatly into any one category. Or, perhaps, it fits into all categories. Weatherby’s Rules is such an example — a list of brief adages that convey wisdom and universal truths — each one providing a little guidance that we might incorporate into our daily lives.
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• Keep skid chains on your tongue; always say less than you think. Cultivate a low, persuasive voice. How you say it often counts more than what you say.
• Make promises sparingly, and keep them faithfully, no matter what it costs.
• Offer kind and encouraging words. Praise good work, regardless of who did it. If criticism is needed, criticize helpfully, never spitefully.
• Be interested in others, their pursuits, their work, their homes and families. Make merry with those who rejoice; with those who weep, mourn. Let everyone you meet, however humble, feel that you regard him/her as a person of importance.
• Be cheerful. Don’t burden or depress those around you by dwelling on your minor aches and pains and small disappointments. Remember, everyone is carrying some kind of a load.
• Keep an open mind. Discuss but don’t argue. It is a mark of a superior mind to be able to disagree without being disagreeable.
• Let your virtues speak for themselves. Refuse to talk of another’s vices. Discourage gossip. It is a waste of valuable time and can be extremely destructive.
• Be careful of others’ feelings. Wit and humor at the other person’s expense are rarely worth it and may hurt when least expected.
• Pay no attention to ill-natured remarks about you. Remember, the person who carried the message may not be the most accurate reporter in the world. Simply live so that nobody will believe them. Disordered nerves and bad digestion are a common cause of backbiting.
• Don’t be so anxious about the credit due you. Do your best, and be patient. Forget about yourself and let others “remember.” Success is much sweeter that way.