A settled income is only a
blessing to those to whom the attainment of the trifling and
external pleasures of life seems worth the trouble of an effort. You
are wise enough to set no value on what the world can give you. You
are neither vain nor ambitious. Therefore you do not exercise your
capacities in wrestling for position, recognition, honors, or fame.
On the other hand, you have no need to trouble yourself about the
bare necessities of life, and are thereby deprived of another
occasion for bringing your strength into play. Now, you are provided
with organic forces, and it is the circumstance that these forces
are lying fallow that affects you like a malady. It is in work alone
that you can hope to find a cure, or at least an improvement.
Accordingly, if you have not sufficient strength of will to set
yourself some task, my will shall come to your aid. I suggest, nay,
I insist, that you proceed manfully with your 'History of Human
Ignorance,' about which I have heard nothing for months, and that
you show me at least the first volume ready for the press by the end
of this time next year."
Wilhelm caught desperately at this advice, offered to him by his
friend in the paradoxical form of a command. He got out his books
and papers again, and began devoting his mornings to work.
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