‘Confidences,’ by Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919), painted in 1878.
Part 1 of 2
A FEW times in my life it has happened to me to meet persons of so good a nature and so good breeding, that every topic was open and discussed without possibility of offence, — persons who could not be shocked. One of my friends said in speaking of certain associates, “There is not one of them but I can offend at any moment.” But to the company I am now considering, were no terrors, no vulgarity. All topics were broached, — life, love, marriage, sex, hatred, suicide, magic, theism, art, poetry, religion, myself, thyself, all selves, and whatever else, with a security and vivacity which belonged to the nobility of the parties and to their brave truth. The life of these persons was conducted in the same calm and affirmative manner as their discourse.
Précis
In ‘Social Aims,’ American essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson spoke up in defence of freedom of association. He recalled a friend saying that he went in constant fear of offending his acquaintances, whereas Emerson enjoyed the security of knowing that his circle, whatever the subject of conversation, had shown that they could not be offended. (55 / 60 words)
Part Two
‘Luncheon of the Boating Party,’ by Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919), painted in 1880-81. The woman on the left sharing baby-talk with her terrier is Aline Charigot, whom Renoir subsequently married.
LIFE with them was an experiment continually varied, full of results, full of grandeur, and by no means the hot and hurried business which passes in the world. The delight in good company, in pure, brilliant, social atmosphere; the incomparable satisfaction of a society in which everything can be safely said, in which every member returns a true echo, in which a wise freedom, an ideal republic of sense, simplicity, knowledge, and thorough good-meaning abide, — doubles the value of life.
It is this that justifies to each the jealousy with which the doors are kept. Do not look sourly at the set or the club which does not choose you. Every highly organized person knows the value of the social barriers, since the best society has often been spoiled to him by the intrusion of bad companions. He of all men would keep the right of choice sacred, and feel that the exclusions are in the interest of the admissions, though they happen at this moment to thwart his wishes.
Précis
Emerson went on to say that it is quite proper to be selective about your friends, because knowing one can speak freely is the essence of good company. It may be disappointing when others do not choose you for their circle, but we have all experienced occasions when one unsympathetic intruder has inhibited candid speech. (55 / 60 words)
