Example is Better than Precept.
Proverb-Type Essays, Expansion of Ideas,
Outline: Precept is easy and common - precept is usually ineffective, because it is not supported by example - example is better than precept.
One of the things most commonly and generally offered to others is precept or moral instruction. Parents continually advise children on how to get on in the world; teachers are never tired of instructing students to behave well; politicians constantly exhort their countrymen to do this or that or not to do this or that, and even novelists often preach under the guise of telling stories. Unfortunately, much of this advice falls flat. It is not taken seriously and it is hardly acted upon.
One important reason why much of the percept in the world falls on deaf ears is that it is not reinforced by example. How can a sick doctor inspire confidence among his patients? How can a piece of advice sound convincing when it is not followed by the preacher himself? In fact, inconsistency between profession and practice often raises laughter. A habitual drunkard solemnly advising others to give up drink, a man attired in an expensive suit of foreign cloth recommending the use of Khaddar, a society lady given to extravagance pleading for simple living and high thinking. These are examples in which the precept offered is flouted by the preacher himself and hence is ineffective and even ridiculous.
If a preacher wants his sermon to be followed, he must try to be a living embodiment of it. Mahatma Gandhi's teachings evoked countrywide enthusiastic response, because he practised them himself. He did not merely ask the people to lead a simple life, he himself tried to live like a poor Indian peasant and thereby set an example. He did not merely exhort the people to spin and use Khaddar. He spun everyday and wore Khaddar made by himself.
Nor did he merely recommend non-violence; he tried to be non-violent in thought, word and deed. Example, thus, is better than precept. It may be combined with precept, but even by itself it would be eloquent and effective.
A Minister living in a luxuriously furnished bungalow and moving about in an imported car has no right to advise others to tighten their belts. If he sincerely wants others to practise austerity and economy, he needn't even ask them to do so, but should cut down his expenses on pomp and luxury. A living example is more effective than empty words.
Difficult Words
Precept: A general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought; a guiding principle or instruction.
Moral instruction: Guidance on what is right and wrong behavior.
Get on (in the world): To succeed in life or a career.
Exhort: To strongly encourage or urge (someone) to do something; advise earnestly.
Countrymen: People from one's own country.
Under the guise of: Pretending to be something else; with a false appearance of.
Falls flat: Fails to produce the intended effect or to impress.
Acted upon: Put into practice; followed.
Falls on deaf ears: Is ignored or disregarded.
Reinforced: Supported or strengthened.
Inspire confidence: To make someone feel sure about something or someone's abilities.
Convincing: Capable of causing someone to believe that something is true or real.
Inconsistency: The state of not staying the same throughout; lack of harmony or compatibility.
Profession (in this context): An open declaration or claim.
Habitual drunkard: Someone who regularly and excessively drinks alcohol.
Solemnly: In a formal, serious, and dignified manner.
Attired: Dressed in clothes of a specific kind.
Khaddar: A hand-spun and hand-woven cloth, typically made from cotton, originating from India.
Extravagance: Lack of restraint in spending money or using resources; excessive spending.
Pleading for: Making an earnest and emotional appeal for something.
Flouted: Openly disregarded (a rule, law, or convention); mocked at or disobeyed.
Ridiculous: Deserving or inviting derision or mockery; absurd.
Sermon: A talk on a religious or moral subject, often given by a religious leader.
Embodiment: A tangible or visible form of an idea, quality, or feeling; a perfect example.
Evoked: Brought or recalled (a feeling, memory, or image) to the conscious mind; called forth.
Enthusiastic response: A reaction showing intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval.
Peasant: A poor farmer of low social status who owns or rents a small piece of land for cultivation.
Non-violence: The use of peaceful means, not force, to bring about political or social change.
Eloquent: Fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing; clearly expressing or indicating something.
Luxuriously: In a way that is very comfortable, elegant, and expensive.
Imported: Brought into a country from abroad for sale or use.
To tighten one's belt: To spend less money; to live more frugally or economically.
Sincerely: In a genuine, heartfelt way; without pretense.
Austerity: Sternness or severity of manner or attitude; extreme plainness and simplicity of style or living.
Economy (in this context): Careful management of available resources; thriftiness.
Pomp: Ceremony and splendid display, especially at a public event; magnificence.