To conclude ascetically is to give up, and not to solve, the problem.

The ascetic and the creeping hog, although they are at different poles, have equally failed in life.
The one has sacrificed his crew; the other brings back his seamen in a cock-boat, and has lost the ship.

I believe there are not many sea-captains who would plume themselves on either result as a success.
But if it is righteousness thus to fuse together our divisive impulses and march with one mind through life, there is plainly one thing more unrighteous than all others, and one declension which is irretrievable and draws on the rest.

And this is to lose consciousness of oneself.

In the best of times, it is but by flashes, when our whole nature is clear, strong and conscious, and events conspire to leave us free, that we enjoy communion with our soul.