302
Selected Messages Book 2
Diligence in business, abstinence from pleasure, even privation,
so long as health is not endangered, should be cheerfully maintained
by a young man in your circumstances, and you would have a little
competency untouched should you become sick, that the charities of
others would not be your dependence. You have needlessly expended
much means which now might be on interest, and you be having some
returns....
You might have had, even from your limited wages, means in
reserve for any demand. It might have been invested in a lot of land
which would be increasing in value. But for a young man to live
up to the last dollar he earns shows a great lack of calculation and
discernment.
Since mortals have bodies and heads and hearts to be provided for,
some provision for the body must be made in order to hold a proper
position in the world. Not to meet the world’s standards—oh, no, no
indeed; but to be of influence in the world for good. Love and sympathy
may be exercised, and the tenderness of common brotherhood.—
Letter
41, 1877
.