ally, and will more surely assist me than all my vehemence. Sometimes--
nay, often--it is better to say nothing, for there is a constant
tendency in Nature towards rectification, and her quiet protest and
persuasiveness are hindered by personal interference. If anybody very
dear to me were to fall into any heresy of belief or of conduct, I am
not sure that I ought to rebuke him, and that he would not sooner be
converted by observing my silent respect for him than by preaching to
him.



TALKING ABOUT OUR TROUBLES



We may talk about our troubles to those persons who can give us direct
help, but even in this case we ought as much as possible to come to a
provisional conclusion before consultation; to be perfectly clear to
ourselves within our own limits. Some people have a foolish trick of
applying for aid before they have done anything whatever to aid
themselves, and in fact try to talk themselves into perspicuity. The
only way in which they can think is by talking, and their speech
consequently is not the expression of opinion already and carefully
formed, but the manufacture of it.

We may also tell our troubles to those who are suffering if we can
lessen their own. It may be a very great relief to them to know that
others have passed through trials equal to theirs and have survived.
There are obscure, nervous diseases, hypochondriac fancies, almost
uncontrollable impulses, which terrify by their apparent singularity.