Beauty of character may be evolved out of the most unpromising material
which only seems fit to be flung forth and burned. If a child cries we
should try to make it laugh; if we meet melancholy folk, we should seek
to cheer them; if they have to live in contact with evil tempers, we
must endeavor to sweeten them.
At certain seasons of the year some great conservatories are
full of ugly plants, with terrible spines sticking out of
great, fat, succulent, selfish-looking leaves. These plants
are cacti. They wear only a frightful and repellent aspect.
Yet they are favorites of the horticulturist. He waters them
and nurtures them. And suddenly the whole place is ablaze with
their unspeakable loveliness. They have burst into glorious
efflorescence, and spectators come to look on them with joy and
wonder. Many of them bloom, especially in the night.
(1754)
See POSSIBILITIES, LATENT.