Árdís - 01.01.1964, Side 22

20
ÁRDÍ S
whatever his race or color, and whatever his or her ideas are. We
are all very set in our ways and find it difficult to acknowledge
that we could possibly be wrong in our way of thinking. There
are so many different ways of doing the right thing, and our
minds should always be open to accept new ideas. But new ideas
are not always good ideas, and until they are proven to be better
than the old we have a right to question their validity.
The book of Ruth can still teach us many things. Let us be
willing pupils. We must not forget that Ruth did not have the
teachings of Jesus to live by, yet she lived a virtuous life and
obeyed the commandments. Should we not be better prepared to
lead a good life? We cannot blame ignorance for our failures.
We only need the steadfastness to do the things that we know are
right, to show love, understanding and tolerance to all people.
We only have to read the poems and stories of great men to
know how they acquired their greatness. Behind them all stands
a mother, wife or sweetheart. So, let us not forget that the future
belongs to us, the women of today. On our shoulders rests the
responsibility of making a great nation. A nation that lives by
God’s commandments, and honours the rights of men.
Nature has given women two painful but heavenly gifts,
which distinguish them and often raise them above human nature
— compassion and enthusiasm. By compassion, they devote them-
selves, by enthusiasm they exalt themselves.
Lamartine.