The Eambles of an Idler 



lazines We do not feel called upon to solve 

 knotty problems or to attempt the impossible, as 

 so much becomes when we deepen the mystery 

 that surrounds the outlook. It never occurs to 

 us that all this is but a process of our own mind. 

 We ascribe to Nature what does not belong to 

 her and simply render ourselves more and more 

 helpless a,s we stand gazing vacantly at what 

 transpires before us. The ascription of mys- 

 tery is a cunning device of lazy humanity. 



The sense of ownership is a pleasant one ; the 

 impression of the superiority of our posses- 

 sions is not belittling. It is fortunate that the 

 even greater luxuriance of your neighbor's 

 fields is not apparent to you, for where envy 

 enters, peace of mind departs. Only feel that 

 you are particularly blessed and it is a fact 

 that you are reasonably fortunate. In short, 

 treasure your trifles as though they were unique 

 gems, for it is only through such intensity of 

 interest that positive value becomes apparent. 

 Distance should not always be allowed to lend 

 enchantment to the view. The battle of the 

 ants that Thoreau witnessed was a,s tragical as 

 any massacre of innocents or any war between 



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