The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-07-19
From Chambers Edinburgh Journal.
ADVICE TO YOUNG MEN.

ADVICE TO YOUNG MEN.
There appears in one Of those small
country papers to which we recently
adverted, the following admirable letter
by Mr.. Carlyle, author of "Past and
Present." ""Heroes and Hero w Worship,"
and other we'll known publications. 1t
was addressed, says our authority, to a
young man who had written to Mr..
Carlyle desiring his advice as to choice
of reading, and, it would appear also, as
to his conduct in general. 1t is now,
we believe, prin ted for the first time;
and we most earnestly recommend it
to1the attention of our youthful readers,
as containing advice of the most valua-
bic & practical description, & pregnant
with truths with which they cannot be
to we'll acquainted. The young are too
much inclined to be dissatisfied with
their actual condition, as to neg lect
their immediate duties in vain aspera-
tions after Others beyond their lot; and
and they need the monitions of such q
kind, but vigorous and emphatic adviser
as Mr.. Carlyle, and to have it impressed
on their minds, that
To do
That which before US lies in daily life
Is the prime wisdom.
DEAR Sir: Some time ago your let
ter was delivered me; | take literally
the first free half hour Ihave had since
to write you word of answer.
1t would give me true satisfac ton
could any a,vice of mine contribute to
forward you in your honorable course
of self Improvement, but long expert
ence has taught me that advice can
profit but little; that there is good rea-
son why advice is SO seldom followed:
this reason, namely, that it is SO sell
dom, and can almost never be, rightly
given. No man knows the state of an
other; it is al ways to some more or
less imaginary man that the wisest and
most honest adv iser is speaking.
AS to the books which you, whom |
know so little of, should read, there is
hardly anything definite that can be
said. For one thing, you may be siren
uousIy advised to keep reading. Any
good book, any book that is wiser than
yourself, will teach you something-a
great many things, indirectly and d.
rectly, if your mind be open to learn.
This cd counsel Of Johnson's is also
good, and universally applicable: "Reud
the book you do honestly feel a wish
and curiosity to read" The very wish
and curiosity indicates that you, then
and there, are the person likely to get
good of ii. "Our wishes are PRESENT.
aents of our capabilities" that is a no.
bic saying, Of deep encouragement to
all true men; applicable to our wishes
and efforts in regard to reading as to
other things. Among al! the objects
that look wonderful or beautiful to you,
follow with fresh hope the one which
looks wonderlullest, beautfullest. You
viii gradually find, by various trials,
(Which trials see that you make honest,
manlul ones, not silly, short, fitful onesD
what is for youthe wonderfullest, beau
tifullest-that is your true element and
province, and be able to profit by that.
True desire, the monition of nature, is
much to be attended to. But here also
you are to discriminate carefully be-
tween true desire and false. The med
ical men tell us we should eat what we
truly have an appetite for; but what we
only falsely have an appetite for we
should resontely avoid. It's very true;
and Aimsy, desutory readers, who fly
from foolish book to foolish book, and
get good Of none. and mischief of'all-
are not these as foolish, unhealthy eat
ers, who mistake their superficial false
desire after spiceries and confectiona-
ries for their real appetite, of which e.
ven they are not destitute, though it
lies far deeper, far quieter, after solid
nutrit:vef food? With these illustrations,
Twill recommend Johnson's advice to
you.