If it is a great lesson in life to know how to deny, it is still greater to know how to deny oneself as regards both affairs and persons. There are estraneous occupations that eat away precious time. To be?occupied in what does not concern you is worse than doing nothing. It is not enough for?a careful person not to interfere with others, he must see that they do not interfere with him. One is not obliged to belong so much to others as not to belongs at all to oneself. S with friends, their help should not he abused or more demanded from them than they themselves will?grant. All excess is a failing, but above all in personal relationships. A wise moderation in this best preserves the goodwill and?esteem for all,?for?bu this means that precious boon of courtesy is not gradually worn away. Thus you preserve your genius and freedom to select the best and never sin against the unwritten laws of good taste
