lf we talk of the good that the world contains,
And try our best to add to it,
The evil will die of neglect by-and-by—
’Tis the very best way to undo it.

We preach too much and we dwell too long
On sin and sorrow and trouble;
We help them to live by the thoughts we give,
Their spite and might to redouble.

For the earth is fair and the people are kind,
If once you look for their kindness;
When the world seems sad and its denizens bad,
It is only your own soul’s blindness.

And I say if we search for the good and pure,
And give no thought to the evil,
Our labors are worth far more to the earth
Than when we are chasing the devil.

Ella Wheeler Wilcox