A hospitable man is one who freely admits’ to his
house friends and. in some. Strangers’- also gives then food and lodging when
necessary and provides them with entertainment, he is usually of a kind and generous
nature. And by his, .benevolent disposition promotes. Social intercourse and,
add, the pleasure of his fellowmen. Though
hospitals a virtue that can be practiced with magnificence only by the rich.
Yet it is also found in a simple and unattainable from among the poor who show an
amazing willingness to share their, scant pittances with others, who i the time happen to be less
fortunate than themselves. The poor urchin, who shares his loaf of bread with
another, stands out as an example of the truest and most unselfish hospitality.
Among primitive people: all over the world, the virtue
of hospitality was regarded with greater
reverence and practiced with stricter
observance than in modern time They
would receive strangers in their houses, give them food and shelter, and speed
them upon their travels with such help as was in their power to give. A
traveler who as not suspected of unworthy motive, if he reached a village at
nightfall would have no hesitation in going to the house of the headman, secure
in the belief that a welcome would be waiting for him.
Even an enemy he were once to cross the threshold
and ask for shelter in the name of hospitality, would be treated as well as his
host could treat him and might rest assured that,; in case of discovery . His life
would be as safe as in his own house. So long as he remained under that roof. I
he Arabs particularly is famous for their generous hospitality, and many
stories are told of the bitterest enemies being treated with consideration
during the times they have chanced to spend beneath their opponent’s roof.
In the present day, especially in towns,
hospitality is practiced less sparingly, and the spirit it engenders is less
frequently found. This is due not so much to a decline in generosity as to a
change of conditions; the number of hotels and lodging houses is generally
sufficient to give accommodation to strangers. And there is therefore no Longer
any need for travelers to invade the privacy of stranger houses and disturb
their domestic arrangements. Nevertheless most men delight in honoring their
friends and relatives by inviting them to their homes. For long periods if they
live far apart. Or for a few hours if they inhabit the same town or village.
In this aye man who is essentially sociable by
nature satisfies his desire of companionship cheers his leisure hours brightens
his mind by stimulating conversation and binds himself by i closer bond of love
to the friends in hose company he takes delight.