INTRODUCTION
In compiling the following articles and arranging them in book form the Author isactuated by a growing demand for these monthly articles in a more convenient form forreference, and a sincere desire to encourage the use of a practical Code of Ethics which can betranslated into the life and actions of the average American citizen.These articles are not meant to be learned dissertations for the selected few but arewritten for the help and guidance of all decent and respectable citizens. The Author feels that oneof the principal uses of intelligence is to convey an understandable message to those who havenot been fortunate enough to have an extended education or comparable practical experience;and that real intelligence should be used to educate individuals and gradually increase theirability to understand and apply principles; and that it is a false and misleading method to write ina manner that only a specially selected few can understand when the message is intended forgeneral use.Therefore these articles have been written in order to reach the understanding of childrenas well as educated adults of exceptional intelligence and with the hope that a comprehensiveand simple Code of Ethics will in time become a compulsory part of the curriculum of ourinstitutions of learning; and that every child will be instructed from the time of entering school inthe fundamental traits of character that are so much more vitally important than any of theacademic or technical subjects which might be taught.These addresses were written monthly to the members of an organization which has forone of its chief purposes the betterment of character and another purpose which is almost asvital, that being the welfare and happiness of all loyal American citizens. It is only fitting,therefore, that the preliminary introduction as made by the Author at the time should be made apart of this permanent record. For the reader's benefit the following lines are quoted verbatim:"This is the first of a series of messages intended for use at the regular monthly meetingsof the organization. It is my desire to use this method in order that we may all be drawn closer toone another in a spirit of true friendliness and helpful association. You all know the generalpurposes of the organization and you also understand the necessary qualifications formembership. It is my hope to bring out in more vivid detail the spirit, romance, adventure andhope that pertain to the organization as well as the possibilities of pleasant and profitableassociation, of protection at all times, of help in time of need and of strict justice under allconditions.This is not merely a fraternal organization. It is a strong and sturdy vehicle to carry usalong the road to safety, content, and happiness, when our own powers of progress fail orbecome diminished. It is a light to shine upon the road that leads not only to a fuller and moresuccessful life but to a better one. The path of duty and of the right course of action may oftenseem hard and almost impossible to follow but this is almost always when we are treading thispath alone. Surrounded by friends the path no longer seems hard or impossible. It then becomesan adventure, full not only of hope and promise for the future, but full of certainty, comfort,protection, and pleasure in the present. Loneliness becomes no longer a thing of dread or fear,for those who walk with true and loyal friends can never be alone, although at times they maytemporarily be separated. Even at such times, however, the spirit, courage, and friendship of thegroup constitute a source of unfailing strength to the individual. With loneliness gone, fear
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