in domestic management, in the conduct of a profession, in trade
or commerce, in social organization, or in political government.
And the training which gives efficiency in dealing with these
various affairs is of all others the most useful in practical
life. (14) Moreover, it is the best discipline of character; for
it involves the exercise of diligence, attention, self-denial,
judgment, tact, knowledge of and sympathy with others.

Such a discipline is far more productive of happiness5 as well as
useful efficiency in life, than any amount of literary culture or
meditative seclusion; for in the long run it will usually be found
that practical ability carries it over intellect, and temper and
habits over talent. It must, however, he added that this is a
kind of culture that can only be acquired by diligent observation
and carefully improved experience. "To be a good blacksmith,"
said General Trochu in a recent publication, "one must have forged
all his life: to be a good administrator one should have passed
his whole life in the study and practice of business."

It was characteristic of Sir Walter Scott to entertain the highest
respect for able men of business; and he professed that he did not
consider any amount of literary distinction as entitled to be
spoken of in the same breath with a mastery in the higher
departments of practical life--least of all with a first-rate
captain.

The great commander leaves nothing to chance, but provides for
every contingency. He condescends to apparently trivial details.
Thus, when Wellington was at the head of his army in Spain, he
directed the precise manner in which the soldiers were to cook