There is no surer way to teach a child to respect himself than to
respect him. Trebonius, a great schoolmaster, upon entering the
school-room was wont to lift his hat and say: “I uncover to the future
senators, counsellors, wise teachers, and other great men that may come
forth from this school.” There is no place where the respect of children
is more potent than in the school-room. The teacher who so respects
them, will in return receive that reverence and love which will make
labor pleasure instead of toil.
There is no greater indication of rudeness and ill-training than too
great familiarity with any one, more especially to those in higher
official positions. A young man was asked why, as he had a preference
for the army, he did not seek to become an officer. He replied: “I would
not like to have to salute a superior officer.” A young man of this
description would not be of value in any profession or to society. It is
not the individual that we salute, but the commission of the superior
officer. Every rank in life has its distinctive dignity, so we should
insist upon that respect due our position, at the same time not
forgetting the respect due others in both private and public life.