I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by a conscious endeavor. In wildness is the preservation of the world. It is as hard to see oneself as to look backwards without turning around. It is an interesting question how far men would retain their relative rank if they were divested of their clothes. It is not worth while to go round the world to count the cats in Zanzibar.
Severe truth is expressed with some bitterness.
Some circumstantial evidence is very strong, as when you find a trout in the milk. There is an incessant influx of novelty into the world, and yet we tolerate incredible dullness. To regret deeply is to live afresh. If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.