It is something to be proud of, to be the son of a good man; it helps to success in life.

On the other hand, to have had a father of ill reputation is a very serious obstacle to success of any kind in countries where the influence of heredity is strongly recognized.
I have nearly exhausted the examples of this Northern wisdom which I selected for you; but there are two subjects which remain to be considered.

One is the law of conduct in regard to misfortune; and the other is the rule of conduct in regard to women.

A man was expected to keep up a brave heart under any circumstances.

These old Northmen seldom committed suicide; and I must tell you that all the talk about Christianity having checked the practice of suicide to some extent, can not be fairly accepted as truth.