Quotes by Ralph W. Hardy

Individualism, as a definition of holding to personal ideals, is classed as obstinacy and anti-social. Inevitably we run point blank into the evils of compromise. When compromise enters our moral fibre, it spreads like a cancerous growth. We think we plan adequate safeguards around areas in which we contemplate yielding our standards, but once we lower the fence and break our strong will to do right, come what may, we expose ourselves to forces that spread beyond control. Compromise always starts on some rather insignificant principle. The dangers of yielding seem negligible and we usually risk those things first where observation and detection by others is difficult. We thus seek to avoid censure and discipline. In a short time we find ourselves trading our principles for false values and doing it in the black market of human relationships. . . .

One does not wait long in life to be greeted by the call, "New lamps for old . . . give up what you have for something with more glamour." This is particularly true for members of the Church, who have something of greater worth than Aladdin's lamp, genie and all. Ask to see the genie before you trade your old lamp!