In the assessment of academic values, give a high place to sound
health. The worth is so great that very slight may be the paragraph I
write you. In the "Egoist," George Meredith says, "Health, wealth and
beauty are three considerations to be sought for in a woman, who is to
become the wife of Sir Willoughby." Wealth and beauty are quite as
much out of ordinary results of the education of the American college
as health should be among those results.
One may be sick, and through sickness become a saint; one may be sick
and through sickness become a sinner. But one cannot be sick and at
the same time be as good a worker as he would be if he were not sick.
Good workers the world needs, and, therefore, men of first-rate health
the world needs. If one is to be a great worker, one must have great
health. It is not for me to write as would a physician, but I may be
allowed to say that in caring for health, one should not become
self-conscious. Let me further suggest:--
First--That you sleep eight hours.
Second--Exercise at least a half an hour each day in the gymnasium.
Third--Eat much of simple food; but not too much!
Fourth--Don't worry.
Fifth--Play ball much (base, foot, basket); but not too much!
In a word, be a good animal.
One of my old teachers once said to me after I was engaged in my
work:--
"I am sorry to see you looking so well."
"Why?"
"Because every man has to break down three times in life. I broke down
three times; Professor Hitchcock broke down three times; every man
must break down three times, and the earlier the breaks come, the
better."
There is no need of any man's breaking down, if he will observe with
fair respect the laws of sleep, exercise and food.