48 
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 
[Vol. 13 
Yet it is a law of human contact, long since proved by experience 
and deeply rooted in the makeup of all of us, that we get from our 
neighbors what we give to them. Think of them as what they are— 
able men and women doing good work—and they will soon think of 
us in the same way. Realize that they are living out their lives in their 
own way, as is their right, and that our failure to see their good work 
is due to the glasses that we have placed before our eyes. It would 
not be well that all kinds of human excellence should be alike. 
“ Men,” said Dr. Holmes in The Autocrat, “often remind me of pears 
in their way of coming to maturity. Some are ripe at twenty. Some 
come into their perfect condition late. And some, that have been 
hard and uninviting until all the rest have had their season, get their 
glow and perfume long after the frost and snow have done their worst 
with the orchards. Beware of rash criticisms; the rough and astringent 
fruit you condemn may be an autumn or a winter pear. ... 
In the relation between ourselves as members of a staff and the 
officers of administration to whom we are responsible there should 
exist a thorough understanding, carefully and thoughtfully maintained. 
On our part, as employees, it will be helpful to remember that in the 
various problems that arise involving adjustment between ourselves 
and administrative needs we are quite likely not to know the whole 
facts of the case. If we knew them probably our views of the matter 
would be altered. It is a very human and very universal failing to 
form opinions on insufficient data. We all do it. Most of us have had 
the experience of discovering, at a late date in a discussion, facts that 
we did not suspect and that, once known, altered our judgment. We 
cannot see all around from a position down below. The point of view 
from which complete vision is available is at the top. 
Turning the question the other way about, if we ourselves have 
administrative functions we shall strengthen the efforts of our asso¬ 
ciates and assistants if we will bear in mind the clarifying effect of 
complete information. Men cannot read one another’s thoughts. 
And since they must come into intimate contact and must base their 
acts, in ever-increasing degree, on the plans and purposes of others, a 
frank discussion beforehand is a worth-while help and safeguard. 
In this same direction it is to be hoped that the process of organizing 
going on within our various bureaus and institutions may not proceed 
to the point where forms and formalism displace personal contact 
and understanding. The thing seems to be like some plant that has 
escaped from cultivation: a useful species to indicate a border or a 
path but a nuisance and an obstruction when it gets out of bounds. 
One is reminded of the words of Mr. Britling, where he says, “All 
organization, with its implication of finality, is death. Organized morals 
