Page 163 - 聖母軍團員手冊（英文版，2014年5月-2022年1月更新版）

Legion HANDBOOK D10944_1 26/02/2014 15:53 Page 158

158 GOVERNMENT OF THE LEGION CHAPTER 28
22. The very essence of a legionary council is its frank and
free discussion of its business and problems. It is not merely a
super vising or decision-making body, but a school for officers.
But how can these be educated if there is no discussion, no
bringing out of legionary principles, ideals, etc.? Moreover, that
discussion must be general. On no account must a council
resemble a theatre in which a small minority is performing to a
silent audience. The council only functions fully if all its
members contribute to it. A member is not functioning in the
council if he plays no active part in it. By listening, he may
receive something from the council but he gives nothing to it.
Indeed he may come away empty-minded from the council by
virtue of the psychological fact that inertness dulls memory.
The habitually silent member of the council is like an inert cell
in the human brain or body, which is holding back something
that is needed from it, which betrays its purpose, and which is
a potential danger to the person. It would be sad if anyone
became that danger to the legionary body which he so desires
to serve. Passivity, where activity is vitally required, is like
decay; and decay tends to spread itself.
Therefore, as a matter of principle, no member is to be
passive. He must make his full contribution to the life of the
body, not merely by being present and by listening but by
talking. It sounds ridiculous to say, but it is seriously meant:
Each member should contribute at least an annual
remark. In some shy persons every thing will rise up against
the idea of talking. But their reluctance must be conquered,
and herein should be displayed a little of that courage which
the Legion expects in all circumstances.
To the foregoing there is the obvious retort that it would be
impossible for everyone to talk in the time available; and no
doubt that is the case. But let that problem be dealt with
when it presents itself. Ordinarily the problem is the opposite
one, namely inadequate participation, all the contributions
coming from a handful of hardened speakers. Sometimes the
silence of the body is masked by the eloquence of the few.
Much too often, the President, by excessive speaking,
suppresses all others. Greatly to be feared is the damping
effect of the single voice. Sometimes the President excuses
himself for this by alleging that if he did not talk, there would
be dead silence. Perhaps that is true, but he must not fear the