The
gain will be obvious and solid.
In the formation or modification of principles, and the practice of
conduct, much help can be derived from printed books (issued at
sixpence each and upwards). I mentioned in my last chapter Marcus
Aurelius and Epictetus. Certain even more widely known works will
occur at once to the memory. I may also mention Pascal, La Bruyere,
and Emerson. For myself, you do not catch me travelling without my
Marcus Aurelius. Yes, books are valuable. But not reading of books
will take the place of a daily, candid, honest examination of what
one has recently done, and what one is about to do--of a steady
looking at one's self in the face (disconcerting though the sight
may be).
When shall this important business be accomplished? The solitude of
the evening journey home appears to me to be suitable for it. A
reflective mood naturally follows the exertion of having earned the
day's living. Of course if, instead of attending to an elementary
and profoundly important duty, you prefer to read the paper (which
you might just as well read while waiting for your dinner) I have
nothing to say.
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