And, besides, I retained the prejudices and the repugnance to the doctrines of the new world that belonged to my name.

I was unable to comprehend that there was anything better to be done than childishly to pout at the conqueror; that is, I could not recognize that his weapons were good, and that I should seize and destroy him with them.

In short, for want of a definite principle of action I have drifted at random, my life without plan--I have been a mere trivial man of pleasure.
"Your life shall be more complete, if you will only follow my advice.
"What, indeed, may not a man of this age become if he have the good sense and energy to conform his life rigidly to his belief! "I merely state the question, you must solve it; I can leave you only some cursory ideas, which I am satisfied are just, and upon which you may meditate at your leisure.

Only for fools or the weak does materialism become a debasing dogma; assuredly, in its code there are none of those precepts of ordinary morals which our fathers entitled virtue; but I do find there a grand word which may well counterbalance many others, that is to say, Honor, self-esteem! Unquestionably a materialist may not be a saint; but he can be a gentleman, which is something.

You have happy gifts, my son, and I know of but one duty that you have in the world--that of developing those gifts to the utmost, and through them to enjoy life unsparingly.