ey is time。 With money I buy for cheerful use the hours which otherwise would not in any sense be mine； nay； which would make me their miserable bondsman。 Money is time； and； heaven be thanked； there needs so little of it for this sort of purchase。 He who has overmuch is wont to be as badly off in regard to the true use of money； as he who has not enough。 What are we doing all our lives but purchasing； or trying to purchase； time？ And most of us； having grasped it with one hand； throw it away with the other。
XXV
The dark days are drawing to an end。 Soon it will be spring once more； I shall go out into the fields； and shake away these thoughts of discouragement and fear which have lately too much haunted my fireside。 For me； it is a virtue to be self…centred； I am much better employed； from every point of view； when I live solely for my own satisfaction； than when I begin to worry about the world。 The world frightens me； and a frightened man is no good for anything。 I know only one way in which I could have played a meritorious part as an active citizen……by being a schoolmaster in some little country town； and teaching half a dozen teachable boys to love study for its own sake。 That I could have done； I daresay。 Yet； no； for I must have had as a young man the same mind that I have in age； devoid of idle ambitions； undisturbed by unattainable ideals。 Living as I do now； I deserve better of my country than at any time in my working life； better； I suspect； than most of those who are praised for busy patriotism。
Not that I regard my life as an example for any one else； all I say is； that it is good for me； and in so far an advantage to the world。 To live in quiet content is surely a piece of good citizenship。 If you can do more； do it； and God…speed！ I