The youth
refuses to take a dip in the ocean because he knows that the rest of the
people on the beach are watching his spindle shanks or perhaps the
bathing suit would reveal his narrow, undeveloped chest. The young man
is afraid to go onto the dance floor because everybody is sure to see
his ungainly gyrations. He stammers and stutters when he speaks because
others are paying particular attention to his words, when in truth he is
attracting little or no attention. Whether working or playing, those
whose good opinions are worth having are too busy to spend much time in
finding fault with others and discovering flaws that do not concern
them. More enjoyment is to be had in looking at fine physiques and
graceful movements than in watching the less favored.
We always do our best when we are natural. When we become self-conscious
we become artificial and awkward. We can not even breathe properly.
Those who are ever thinking about themselves fail to do things well
enough to hold sustained attention, even if they are able to gain it for
a while. Those who do their work well will in time gain the attention
and appreciation they require.
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