seize opportunities as they come, at the risk of the reputation of
desultoriness.

In 1860 I may fairly look forward to fifteen or twenty years
"Meisterjahre," and with the comprehensive views my training will have
given me, I think it will be possible in that time to give a new and
healthier direction to all Biological Science.

To smite all humbugs, however big; to give a nobler tone to science; to
set an example of abstinence from petty personal controversies, and of
toleration for everything but lying; to be indifferent as to whether the
work is recognised as mine or not, so long as it is done:--are these my
aims? 1860 will show.

Willst du dir ein hubsch Leben zimmern,
Musst dich ans Vergangene nicht bekummern;
Und ware dir auch was Verloren,
Musst immer thun wie neugeboren.
Was jeder Tag will, sollst du fragen;
Was jeder Tag will, wird er sagen.
Musst dich an eigenem Thun ergotzen;
Was andere thun, das wirst du schatzen.
Besonders keinen Menschen hassen
Und das Ubrige Gott uberlassen.

[Wilt shape a noble life? Then cast
No backward glances to the past.
And what if something still be lost?
Act as new-born in all thou dost.
What each day wills, that shalt thou ask;