The penalty of it is a gradual decline of the unused powers, growing difficulty of sustained attention, dislike for what requires effort of mind, loss of wider interests, restlessness and superficiality in reading, and other indications of diminution of power in the years when it ought to be on the increase.

Is this the fault of those who so decline in power?
It would be hard to say that it is so universally, for some no doubt are pressed through necessity to the very limits of their time and of their endurance.

Yet experience goes to prove that if a mental awakening really takes place the most unfavourable circumstances will not hinder a rapid development of power.

Abundance of books and leisure and fostering conditions are helps but not essentials for mental growth.

If few books can be had, but these are of the best, they will do more for the mind by continued reading than abundance for those who have not yet learned to use it.