"
Indolence is usually full of excuses; and the sluggard, though
unwilling to work, is often an active sophist. "There is a lion in
the path ;" or "The hill is hard to climb;" or "There is no use
trying--I have tried, and failed, and cannot do it." To the
sophistries of such an excuser, Sir Samuel Romilly once wrote to a
young man:- "My attack upon your indolence, loss of time, &c., was
most serious, and I really think that it can be to nothing but
your habitual want of exertion that can be ascribed your using
such curious arguments as you do in your defence. Your theory is
this: Every man does all the good that he can. If a particular
individual does no good, it is a proof that he is incapable of
doing it. That you don't write proves that you can't; and your
want of inclination demonstrates your want of talents. What an
admirable system!--and what beneficial effects would it be
attended with, if it were but universally received!"
It has been truly said, that to desire to possess, without being
burdened with the trouble of acquiring, is as much a sign of
weakness, as to recognise that everything worth having is only to
be got by paying its price, is the prime secret of practical
strength. Even leisure cannot be enjoyed unless it is won by
effort. If it have not been earned by work, the price has not
been paid for it. (6)
There must be work before and work behind, with leisure to fall
back upon; but the leisure, without the work, can no more be
enjoyed than a surfeit.
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