Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-05-06
seienunc Eptcsrsaussa,.
To The Editor Of the Dispatch


Should young man, just entering
upon life. with ample means, resolve to
live solely for enjoyment. discarding
every consideration OF duty or self sacri-
fee, how would he best accomplish bis
purpose? What are the conditions
which would most perfectly bring about
this result?
First. The mental faculties should be
improved and trained, not by severe and
rigorous methods, but TO such an extent
as to enable him to enjoy the advantages
OF society, of books, Of music, and OF
travel. What are the pleasures OF re-
fined and cultivated society. OF the sub
lime and wonderful in nature, the beau
tiul in art, and enhancing music to the
dull, uneducated boor?
The conscience should be kept clear
and bright, "void of offence" No act
Of injustice or dishonor should be COM
mitted, toe recollection Of which might
rise up and torture the soul with re-
morse.
Self-control should also be practiced,
using the good things of life as not
abusing them, and avoiding those ex-
cesses which result IN safety, sickness,
and premature DEATH To get the great
est sum OF pleasure from life requires as
one Of its conditions its prolongation to
the greatest possible extent.
Our modern Epicurus should also
eschew the use OF the stronger alcoholic
drinks, not only because OF their inju-
rious effect upon the brain, but because,
from the terms OF our supposition, he is
free from want, anxiety, cold, and hun
ger-conditions which create the want
of and often the necessity for alcoholic
stimulants. He should also avoid the
use OF tobacco, not needing the solace
which that narcotic gives, and because
its use blunts to somo extent the sense
Of taste.
The bodily condition should be care
fully looked after, in order that the
senses, those fertile sources OF pleasure,
may be rendered more acute, that diges-
ton NAV be better performed, and tho
glow Of health peryade the system.
Then, with mind and body equipped
for pleasure, he would find the conditions
Of modern society far more favorable for
its pursuit than those which prevailed in
the time OF the Grecian philosopher.
! Epicurus was rather circumscribed IN his
desires. IL he had sought travel as a
means of recreation the barbsrians
around would have made it rather lively
for HIM. He had no sugar to put lin his
tea OF coffee, and, on the other hand, no
tea or coffee to sweeton.
On the contrary, our Epicurus finds
palace coaches and steamers ready to
convey him with the speed Of the wind
across seas and continents. The fruits
of the tropics, the varied products Of
foreign climes, the game Of the forest,
the fish of the stream. and the skill OF
the confectioner are brought into requi-
sition to minister to the pleasures of his
palate. Paintings, statuary, books,
oil that can delight the eye, charm the
ear, and please the mind exist in bound
less variety and profusion.
Yet he lacks one thing. The rounding
up, the complement of a happy life, is
marriage, which substitutes the faithful,
loving wife for the painted, mercenary
courtesan the family freside, with its
happy faces, for the brothel.
The orbit in which every life revolves,
whether wide or circumscribed, should
have for its centre a home, endeared to
its possessor by fond memories and as
sociations and by ties OF affection:
M. ID.