world (I say company, for a knowledge of life is best learned in various
companies) employ it in serious reading. Take up some valuable book, and
continue the reading of that book till you have got through it; never
burden your mind with more than one thing at a time: and in reading this
book do not run it over superficially, but read every passage twice
over, at least do not pass on to a second till you thoroughly understand
the first, nor quit the book till you are master of the subject; for
unless you do this, you may read it through, and not remember the
contents of it for a week.

38. The books I would particularly recommend, are Cardinal Retz's
maxims, Rochefoucault's moral reflections, Bruyere's characters,
Fontenelle's plurality of worlds, Sir Josiah Child on trade,
Bollinbroke's works; for style, his remarks on the history of England,
under the name of Sir John Oldcastle; Puffendorff's Jus Gentium, and
Grotius de Jure Belli et Pacis: the last two are well translated by
_Barbeyrac_. For occasional half hours or less, read the best works of
invention, wit and humor; but never waste your minutes on trifling
authors, either ancient or modern.

39. Any business you may have to transact, should be done the first
opportunity, and finished, if possible, without interruption; for by
deferring it we may probably finish it too late, or execute it
indifferently. Now, business of any kind should never be done by halves,
but every part of it should be well attended to: for he that does
business ill, had better not do it at all. And in any point which
discretion bids you pursue, and which has a manifest utility to
recommend it, let not difficulties deter you; rather let them animate
your industry. If one method fails, try a second and a third. Be active,
persevere, and you will certainly conquer.