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But because a man's philosophy is so important to him, it is also a touchy thing, more or less a controversial one. His may not rashly be questioned; yours may not rashly be thrust at him. It is therefore indiscreet, when visiting one's prospective in-laws for the first time, to make such statements as: "I believe in the gold standard"; "Labor unions are the hope of the world"; "For me there is only one party, the Republican"; or, "Peacetime conscription is simply European militarism brought over here." A person needs to be especially careful not to obtrude his basic opinions when he is making the acquaintance of people whose friendship he wants or whom he is likely to meet often. In-laws, for example, are obviously people whose friendship he will try to secure before he should try to win them to his ideas. He will not display his philosophy to his new associates in a new position or in a new club. He will also be very cautious in advancing his pet ideas in any party or gathering which consists more of recent acquaintances than of well-tried friends. |
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