The record-union., 1892-10-08
VOCATION AND AvocArloN.

bonSloerlng the WOru aVOcatlOn IN lis
original meaning, diversion from regu-
lar calling or vocation, and before usage
perverted it into a synonym of yoca-
ton, it is a trujsm that every
literary worker should have some
avocation, something to relax the
tension of his vocation, to give relief
rest and pleasure by change. They who
have not lose vitality wear with friction,
or go into a species of decay. The state
ment is not rule, but, nevertheless, the
instances to the contrary are not very
numerous.
Victor Hugo amused himself in his
strength with tools, domestic concerns,
and engagement in philanthropic work;
Irving sought the woods, flowers,
birds and nature in quiet moods, and
attached himself to several small local
concerns promoting public good. Renan,
the author of la Vie de Jesus" is a
lover of animals, and greatly interests
himself in promoting kind treatment of
animals. He has host of dogs and cats
and birds, and gathers all the stories he
can of such creatures, and delights to re-
tail them. He gives much attention to
the natural history of these animals, and
how to treat them when i'll, etc.
Mr.. Gladstone digs in lis garden, fells
trees, and presides over village public
spirited societies and takes lively part
in local humanitarian, town improve
ment and similar associations. George
VIM. Curtis found relief from purely
literary labors in political reform move
ments, such as the civil service reform,
and in social improvement questions and
movements. Mr.. Black, the novelist. is
said TO bestir himself for an association
In promoting movements for better
ing the condition of the poor. Examin-
alton of the personal history of the most
successful and wearing of brain workers
VIII disclose the truth that they have
avocations as well as vocations.
1t is the grind that kills; the wearying.
tread-mill motion that breaks down the
brain-worker. If he would keep himself
fresh he must get away from his desk
and his books and thought of them for
some time every day. AS children need the
rest of play, so men need the relaxation
of change of mental employment and the
release from the strain of vocation. The
business man, not less than the literary
worker, should have his avocations: it
matters little what they are save this that
they had just as we'll be things pro-
is full of opportunities for such engage
ment; every community, no matter how
small, can command something of the
capacity and time of every worker in its
interest, and in a manner to take them
out of the groove and freshen them by
change of thought and action.
The one thing to guard against is the
absorption by the avocation of the time
and energy that is due the vocation. But
the wise man draws the line sharply
between duty and all outside of it: be-
tween what he owes to himself and what
he owes to the community in which he
lives; between the need for labor and the
need for rest and change that labor NAV
be better performed.
We are, in this America of ours. too
profoundly attached to business-too
much the slaves of vocation. This is a
criticism that is made of US by all oh
servers from abroad whose opinion is
worth considering. We work too hard
and we play too hard. We pass from one
extreme to another: it is either nervous.
push, energy, struggle, rush and race for
the end in view or absolute cessation OF
effort, and dreary and not helpful
idleness at the seaside or the mountain
resorts. We take our rest in Jumps. as it
were, pieces carved solidly out of the
year, when we might better rest by
change every day, no matter how exact
ing the business demand or the literary
duty.
1t is said of one of the most fruitful oi
the writers of the day that she gives but
four hours to her desk, two to reading
and the remaining time in waking hours
engages her in activities as far separated
from her literary labors as is one pole
from the other, and having no relation to
them whatever. This diversion of her
mind she claims is what keeps her strong
and vigorous, and freshens every day the
labors Of its labor period. We know an
active business man of this city some
what remarkable for his nervous energy
and push in business, who finds time in
each twenty-four hours for work at home