CONCLUSION. 389 



mental qualities. I needed it, not only to be snatched 

 from my own meditative life, but also as a protection 

 against my own weaknesses. Among these I especially 

 reckon an excessive benignity, which made it uncom- 

 monly hard for me to refuse a request, not to fulfil 

 a known wish, nay in general to say or do anything 

 to anybody that would be unpleasant or painful to 

 him. Luckily this quality, very inconvenient especially 

 for a business -man and master over many people, was 

 neutralized by another, that of being easily provoked 

 and excited to anger. This anger, which was always 

 easily aroused, when my good intentions were mis- 

 understood or abused, was ever a relief and outlet 

 for my feelings, and I have often declared that any- 

 body, with whom I had unpleasant dealings, could 

 never do me a greater service than by giving me 

 cause to be angry. For the rest this irascibility was 

 usually only a form of mental excitement, which never 

 got beyond my control. Although in younger years I 

 was often nicknamed by my friends "curly head", 

 wherewith they would hint at a certain connection 

 between my curly hair and "curly" mind, yet my 

 easily roused anger has never led me to actions which 

 I had afterwards to regret. For a manager of great 

 undertakings I was also in other respects but indif- 

 ferently suited. I lacked the good memory, the 

 orderly sense, and consistent, unbending strictness. 

 If notwithstanding I have founded large business con- 

 cerns and managed them with unusual success, this is 

 a proof, that industry coupled with energy often over- 



