Optimism

It is indeed a question, Why should we write a book ? -We have but one encouragement without our own conceit, which is, that few, if any, of the accepted wits of the past were ever excellent in the positive feats which we have mentioned. They seem to have possessed an acknowledged. Greatness in their general health, harmony, or proportion of mind, to whose consciousness pleasant truth was congenial, and came through some subtlety of attraction.

This harmony or health of soul must comprise something of that delicate presence called genius : and here is our encouragement- that although we have few, if any, notable specialities to boast of, we may have a very excellent genius nevertheless. And if it shall be found that even genius, to possess truth, must go about and coart its vicinity somewhat; we sball exalt our horn a little, because of experience of various sorts that we have encountered more than most writers-experience of the varieties and extremities of outer and inner life.