Another word for consideration is service. Nothing brings a greater self-reward than a service done in an hour of need, or a favor granted during a day's grind. The generous man who climbs to the top of the ladder helps many others on their way. The more he does for someone else the more he does for _himself_. The stronger he becomes--the greater his influence in his community. Doing things for others may not bring in _bankable dividends_ but it does bring in _happiness_. Such actions scorn a higher reward. We have only to try out the plan to learn the truth for ourselves. A good place to begin is _at home_. Then, _the office_, or wherever life leads us. And in doing these things we will laugh as we go along--we will laugh and get the most out of living.
Our little day-by-day kindnesses when added together constitute in time a huge asset on the right side of our ledger of life. We should start the day with something that helps another get through his day ... even if it isn't any more than a smile and a wave of the hand. And he will remember us for it.
It is said that advice is cheap and for that reason is given freely. But the proper kind of advice is about as rare as the proverbial hen's tooth. In order to give real advice we must understand the man who asks for it. If what we say to him is to become of value we must see to it that his mind is put in proper shape to receive advice. Be sure that he laughs, or smiles at least, before we seriously take up his case. And when we have done our stunt in the way of advice let's send him away with a fine good humor. A friendly pat on the back as he goes out our doorway may mean a bracer to his determination. "_You'll put it over_," we shout after him--and thus we have been of real help. He needed sympathy and courage. He needed a cheerful spirit--so came to us and we didn't let him go away until we gave him all these. Bully for us!
Consideration for others does not admit of ostentation and hypocrisy. We never allow our left hand to know what our right hand does in charity, nor do we _boast of our helpful attitude toward our fellow men_. It is well to make a point of this fact--in this world are many "_ne'er-do-wells"_ who fail to profit by advice and thereby become professional in the seeking of favors. Consideration owes them nothing and to withstand their persistent appeals would in time _dull our natural tendencies_ toward helping others.