18 
LINN/EUS 
and his father took up a mediating position, though 
he, from an economic reason, seemed disposed to 
share his wife’s view. An important cause of this 
stubborn resistance on the part of his parents 
undoubtedly was partly that it was most unusual that 
a youth who had passed through the Gymnasium 
should choose any other life career than a priest’s or 
school teacher’s, and partly the very poor prospect 
which a student of medicine enjoyed at that time, 
and the scanty income, which, in most cases, awaited 
such, after the completion of the relatively long and 
expensive student’s course. Whilst these discussions 
were taking place, as Samuel Linnaeus relates, “ some 
good friends came to Stenbrohult. His father took 
them into the garden, where they seated themselves 
round a little table and talked, while sundry glasses of 
beer were drunk. During this conversation his father 
said, ‘ Yes, it always happens that what a man has 
delight in, always succeeds.’ Carl, who was present, 
took this speech to heart. When the company had 
departed and his father had come back to the table, 
Carl went to him asking what was that which he had 
said when the friends were there? The father, who 
was always of happy temper and jocular, asked, 
‘ What was it that I said? ’ But Carl, insisting on a 
positive reply, was answered. ‘ So far as the liking is 
for that which is good, I stand by it.’ Thereupon 
Carl said, c Yes, father, but do not urge me to be a 
priest, for I have no inclination that way.’ Then the 
following objection was raised, ‘ Thou knowest thy 
parents’ poor condition, and the study thou wishest to 
choose is very costly.’ But Carl caught up his 
father’s words and said, c If that is correct, God will 
certainly provide the sacrifice. Should I succeed as 
I wish, the way will be made for me.’ His father 
replied with tears in his eyes and with a troubled 
mind, ‘ May God grant you success; I will not compel, 
you to follow that for which you have no liking.’ 
Thereupon it was settled that the course should be 
