542 RURAL SOCIOLOGY 



the ordinary routine of farm life. Every one is interested in 

 making the most of himself and his life. An important part of 

 one's pleasure and development comes from meeting people and 

 gaining the ability to mingle with them freely, without which 

 one cannot appear at his best or get the most out of life, either 

 socially or in a business way. 



One needs to get away from his own work and home and get 

 an opportunity to see it from a different angle. As a rule, one 

 is better satisfied with his own conditions when he sees how 

 others live and do. A better acquaintance with people usually 

 results in more tolerance for their shortcomings. Many times 

 when left to ourselves we begin to think unkindly of our neigh- 

 bors, and really believe they are not what they should be. 

 Usually a closer acquaintance and a clearer knowledge of their 

 trials and struggles shows us that they are really better than 

 we had thought them to be. A community in which people 

 are interested in each other, know each other, and are boosting 

 for each other and for the community, is a much better place 

 in which to live than is a community in which there is mutual 

 distrust. As a rule, knowledge of one another increases con- 

 fidence. Play is an important part of one's life. One cannot 

 do his best if every minute is devoted to work. Relaxation and 

 pleasure are absolutely essential to good living. Clubs that will 

 bring some entertainment, social gatherings, or other means 

 of amusement into the community, are very important. 



Educational Advantages 



A good farmers' club may be of the greatest possible influence 

 in broadening the knowledge of its members. The community 

 has more information than any one of its farmers, and the club 

 meeting tends to give each member the benefit of the knowledge 

 and experience of every other member. 



Another valuable feature of the club and club programs is 

 the fact that the members when called upon to .speak are put 

 on record, and to maintain their dignity in the community 

 they must live up to that record. For example : if a farmer 

 is asked to tell how he has succeeded in raising the best calves 

 in the community, he will certainly state the very best method 



