276 MEMOEY. 



details that would delight an artist, the sunset of a par- 

 ticular occasion, and that they remember many oc- 

 casions. 



When the soul has nothing to remember, it can re- 

 member nothing ! 



What has this line of thought to do with memory ? 



Culture has much to do with memory. We fear that, 

 memory without a corresponding culture will prove an 

 expensive possession. 



Day dreaming on unrelated ideas, indulgence in de- 

 grading thoughts, and still more the realizing of degrad- 

 ing thoughts, all tend to weaken the faculty of memory. 

 All activities of the opposite character, viz : the exercise 

 of the imagination under the control of reason — the con- 

 dition necessary for investigation — the indulgence of 

 aspiration to a purer life and truer culture, impress the 

 soul by experiences, which are worth remembering, and 

 which will delight the soul to remember. Hence another 

 maxim : 



Memory cannot be really strengthened by clap-trap 

 devices ; but must be strengthened — if at all — by culture 

 of all the faculties of the soul. 



Do you tell me it is a truism — that one cannot remem- 

 ber when he has nothing to remember ? Why then our 

 disappointment that a small soul fails to remember 

 great sights or great thoughts, when we know small 

 souls are incompetent to see great sights and to think 

 great thoughts ? 



The practice of the Druids was logical. They never 

 allowed their records to be written, fearing that written 

 records would be considered secure, and thus those who 

 had the records in charge would cease to think of them, 

 and their memory would become weak for lack of practice. 



Confidence inspires confidence, and a desire not to be- 

 tray the confidant. Memory is much more worthy of 

 confidence than many realize or admit. 



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