We have spoken
particularly of four of these. They are:
First, for the happiness it will give us.
Second, for the order it demands of us.
Third, for the power it gives us to help and cheer others.
Fourth, for the great and pure thought it brings before us and raises
in us.
All these things, are they true, you ask? If the little child had
asked that of the master he would have said:
"These things shalt thou find real because they make thee brave. And
the pain and the drudgery and the hot tears shall be the easier to
bear for this knowledge, which should be strong within thee as a pure
faith."
CHAPTER III.
MUSIC IN THE HEART.
"Raffaello's genius goes directly to the heart."--_Autobiography of
Benvenuto Cellini._[4]
The only true way to learn is by doing. The skill of the hand and the
skill of the thought can be brought out only by use. We shall not
become very skilful, nor very learned, nor very good unless we daily
devote ourselves to tasks--often difficult and unpleasant--which shall
bring to us wisdom, or success, or goodness. None of these things, nor
any other like them, come merely by talking about them. That is the
worst way of all--merely to talk and not to act. But if we talk
truthfully and act with care, we shall gain a great deal. Pleasant
companionship often brings forth thoughts which if we follow them
industriously, lead a long way in a good direction.
Pages:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25