MONTAIGNE, and many more, believed that absolute self-control is only to be obtained by iron effort, heroic and terrible exertion--a conception based on bygone History, which is all a record of battles of man against man, or man with the Devil.

Now the world is beginning slowly to make an ideal of peace, and disbelieve in the Devil.

Science is attempting to teach us that from any beginning, however small, great results are sure to be obtained if resolutely followed up and fully developed.
It requires thought to realize what a man gifted to some degree with culture and common sense must enjoy who can review the past without pain, and regard the present with perfect assurance that come what may he need have no fear or fluttering of the heart.

Spenser has asked in "The Fate of the Butterfly": "What more felicity can fall to creature Than to enjoy delight with liberty ?" To which one may truly reply that all delight is fitful and uncertain unless bound or blended with the power to be indifferent to involuntary annoying emotions, and that self-command is in itself the highest mental pleasure, or one which surpasses all of any kind.

He who does not overestimate the value of money or anything earthly is really richer than the millionaire.