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New Era Community (1926) - 134:
134. Acceptance of the commissions of the community is shown by certain signs. Let us look at sincerity and pity. Sincerity is nothing but the shortest attainment. Vainly do sentimental people load sincerity with romantic tatters. Sincerity is a concept real and invincibly acute. That sincerity is similar to a properly directed spear thrust and is not a diffused goodness can be shown by example. Each doubt lessens the power of the blow. Therefore, for Us sincerity is the shortest attainment. Quite another matter is pity. Pity is a puddle in which the faithful foot may slip. The one who pities descends to the level of the pitied. His force is dissolved in twilights of that which he pities - a most whining result. New Era Community (1926) - 163:
We do not quite approve the sentimental word "inspiration." When the consciousness is at work it does not go calling on inspiration like a basement lodger visiting his benefactor to ask favors. Then the division into week days and holidays is resumed, and again one will begin to celebrate birthdays. Our Community has but one ceaseless holiday of labor, in which cheerfulness serves as a wine of joy.
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