When you sometimes find in books advice or example that you think may be
of service, you take care to copy and consult it as an oracle. Do as much
for the good of your soul. Engrave in your memory, and even write down,
the counsels and precepts that you hear or read; ... then, from time to
time, study this little collection, which you will not prize the less that
you have made it all yourself.
Books written by others in time become wearisome to us, but of those we
write ourselves we never tire. And it _will_ be yours, this collection of
thoughts chosen because you liked them; counsels you have given yourself;
moral receipts you have discovered, and of which, perhaps, you have proved
the efficacy.
Happy soul! that each day reaps its harvest.