Subsequently, all the opinions that have sprung from misapplied ideas have to be rectified by a lengthy experience; and it is seldom that they are completely rectified. This is why so few men of learning have such sound common sense as is quite common among the illiterate.

Our existence is based solely on the ever-fleeting present. Essentially, therefore, it has to take the form of continual motion without there ever being any possibility of our finding the rest after which we are always striving. It is the same as a man running downhill, who falls if he tries to stop, and it is only by his continuing to run on that

ON READING AND BOOKS.

Hence, in regard to our subject, the art of not reading is highly important.

People require a system of metaphysics, that is, an account of the world and our existence, because such an account belongs to the most natural requirements of mankind.

Maturity of knowledge is the work of experience alone, and consequently of time. For the knowledge we acquire from our own observation is, as a rule, distinct from that we get through abstract ideas; the former is acquired in the natural way, while the latter comes through good and bad instruction and what other people have told to us.

the horizon of his thoughts must be defined and not remain unlimited.

However, the principal thing must always be to let one's observations precede one's ideas, and not the reverse as is usually and unfortunately the case;

Hence, the first rule-nay, this in itself is almost sufficient for a good style-is this, that the author should have something to say. Ah! this implies a great deal.