In this practical scientific age the subtlest science is the science of self. Man is possessed of many vagaries; and of all occupations the writing of books is attended by the most pains and whimsicalities. Extraordinary strngth in one direction is balanced by extraordinary weakness in another; as a rule you may debit a man with folly in proportion as you credit him with wisdom.
Higher and better trained than any we are apt to meet must be the intellect that finds in utility alone a sufficient incentive to well-doing. Every day we see men of education wilfully transgressing, regardless of consequences, while the ignorant and superstitious, under religious fear, shun the evil that ends in disaster.
Joaquin Miller admired Byron. Byron treated his wife badly; Joaquin treated his wife badly. Joaquin was satisfied that in no other way could he be Byron--and Joaquin was right. In this respect, as in every other, alas! I may not lay claim to genius.
Though not uniformly even-tempered and amiable, I cannot say that I delight in tormenting my family. Many times I have attempted it and failed. I lack the fortitude to face the consequences; I find defeat less painful than victory. Twelve times groaned Eugene Aram; his murdered victim groaned but twice. Man's inhumanity, not Satan, is man's greatest enemy.