THE INDISPENSABLE MAN.

Cromwell Argus, Volume LXIV, Issue 3341, 19 November 1934, Page 7

THE INDISPENSABLE MAN.

“When I look at men over fifty who have lived strenuous lives, more or less of the sedentary type, I find some have maintained their health, whilst others are quite worn out. On investigation I usually find this difference,” writes Wilfred Northfleld in “Secrets of Happiness.”

“The healthy one has made a strict habit of finishing with his work the moment he leaves his place of business. The other has taken some work home with him, and possibly continued until bedtime. ‘Keen man,’ you’ll say, ‘deserves to get on.’

“Actually the man’s a fool. No man isjrjustified in doing the work of two people—he must sacrifice his health. So. in the end, he doesn’t get on—he usually ‘goes under’ —Just when he should be about to retire and enjoy the fruits of his labor.

“If you find yourself working overtime continuously, ask yourself the reason. Is it because you think no one else is capable of doing the job during the day—that you are more or less indispensable? Conceited and shortsighted notion! If you died, the work would be done just the same. No man is indispensable. “Or is it because you are keen to succeed and ’make a pile’? What use will the ‘pile’ be, in any case, when you have sacrificed your health through depriving yourself of leisure? Again, we see the wisdom of the scriptural injunction, ‘Let your moderation be known unto all men.’ Do your daily work strenuously and diligently, by all means; but do think twice before you allow lack of leisure and recreation to undermine your physical and mental powers. “There are so many that do this in their lust for position, power or wealth. Thoreau calls it the ‘spending of the beat part of one’s life calming money in order to enjoy a questionable liberty during the least valuable part of it.’ “Though your work may be important, and though you have the right spirit in trying to do it conscientiously, don’t let it weigh you down unnecessarily.” .