Don't Believe Everything You Hear

March 10, 1994

When wrapped surprises were handed out after Cub Scout's meeting, there were obvious bows and arrows and other smaller prizes. We were allowed to pick the one we wanted, and most of the boys picked bows and arrows. When the box came to me, I was strangely ashamed to pick what was obviously what it was; it was no surprise, I knew it would be a bow and arrow. So I recollected the adage "The best things come in small packages," and selected the smallest. It was a red balloon. I was bitterly disappointed, but manfully tried not to show it while the other boys threatened to poke out each other's eyes playing Indian scout.

"Believe nothing of what you hear and only half of what you see," is advice given children when they bear tales of having "heard" something evil of someone else. In other words, do not be hasty to believe evil of others, and in any event, do not repeat such things.

"The best things come in small packages," dates from at least 1659. Howell's French Proverbs quotes, "The best ointments are put in little boxes."

3/17/99

Don't Believe Everything You Hear