Is it the offspring of thoughtless animal spirits or
the dye of fancy continually flitting round the expected pleasure?
The increasing population of the earth must necessarily tend to its
improvement, as the means of existence are multiplied by invention.
You have probably made similar reflections in America, where the
face of the country, I suppose, resembles the wilds of Norway. I am
delighted with the romantic views I daily contemplate, animated by
the purest air; and I am interested by the simplicity of manners
which reigns around me. Still nothing so soon wearies out the
feelings as unmarked simplicity. I am therefore half convinced that
I could not live very comfortably exiled from the countries where
mankind are so much further advanced in knowledge, imperfect as it
is, and unsatisfactory to the thinking mind. Even now I begin to
long to hear what you are doing in England and France. My thoughts
fly from this wilderness to the polished circles of the world, till
recollecting its vices and follies, I bury myself in the woods, but
find it necessary to emerge again, that I may not lose sight of the
wisdom and virtue which exalts my nature.
What a long time it requires to know ourselves; and yet almost every
one has more of this knowledge than he is willing to own, even to
himself.
