The Ability To Say No

( Originally Published 1908 )

POISE IS THE STRENGTH OF BODY AND STRENGTH OF MIND TO CONTROL YOUR SYMPATHY AND YOUR KNOWLEDGE.

NATURE makes the crab-apple, but without man's help she could never evolve the pippin. Nature makes the man, but unless the man takes charge of himself, he will never evolve into a Master. He will remain a crab-apple man.

So nature requires men to co-operate with her. And of course in this statement I fully admit that man is but a higher manifestation of Nature.

Nature knows nothing of time—time is for men. And the fleeting quality of time is what makes it so valuable to us. If life were without limit, we would do nothing. Life without death would be appalling. It would be a day without end—a day with no night of rest . Death is change—and death is a manifestation of life.

We are allowed to live during good behavior, and this is what leads men toward truth, justice and beauty, for these things mean an extension of time, and happiness instead of misery

We work because life is short, and through this work we evolve. The Master is a man who has worked wisely and intelligently, and through habit has come to believe in himself.

Men are strong just in proportion as they have the ability to say NO, and stand by it.

Look back on your own life—what was it that caused you the most worry, wear, vexation, loss and pain ? Wasn't it because you failed to say no at certain times and stick to it ?

This vice of the inability to say NO comes from lack of confidence in yourself.

You think too much of the opinions of other people and not enough of your own. "Put your name right here—it is only a matter of form, you know—just between friends."

And you sign your name. The years go by and there comes a time when you pay for your weakness in blood and tears.