This sentiment,
carried into daily life, will be found at the root of all the
virtues--cleanliness, sobriety, chastity, morality, and religion.
"The pious and just honouring of ourselves," said Milton, may be
thought the radical moisture and fountain-head from whence every
laudable and worthy enterprise issues forth." To think meanly of
one's self, is to sink in one's own estimation as well as in the
estimation of others. And as the thoughts are, so will the acts
be. Man cannot aspire if he look down; if he will rise, he must
look up. The very humblest may be sustained by the proper
indulgence of this feeling. Poverty itself may be lifted and
lighted up by self-respect; and it is truly a noble sight to see a
poor man hold himself upright amidst his temptations, and refuse to
demean himself by low actions.
One way in which self-culture may be degraded is by regarding it
too exclusively as a means of "getting on." Viewed in this light,
it is unquestionable that education is one of the best investments
of time and labour. In any line of life, intelligence will enable
a man to adapt himself more readily to circumstances, suggest
improved methods of working, and render him more apt, skilled and
effective in all respects. He who works with his head as well as
his hands, will come to look at his business with a clearer eye;
and he will become conscious of increasing power--perhaps the most
cheering consciousness the human mind can cherish.
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