8513. TRAVEL, Young men and.—
Young men, who travel, * * * do not acquire
that wisdom for which a previous foundation
is requisite, by repeated and just observations
at home. The glare of pomp and pleasure
is analogous to the motion of the blood; it
absorbs all their affection and attention, and
they are torn from it as from the only good in
this world, and return to their home as to a
place of exile and condemnation. Their eyes
are forever turned back to the object they have
lost, and its recollection poisons the residue of
their lives. * * * A habit of idleness, an
inability to apply themselves to business is
acquired, and renders them useless to themselves
and their country. These observations
are founded in experience. There is no place
where your pursuit of knowledge will be so little
obstructed by foreign objects as in your own
country, nor any, wherein the virtues of the
heart will be less exposed to be weakened. Be
good, be learned, and be industrious, and you
will not want the aid of travelling to render
you precious to your country, dear to your
friends, happy within yourself.—
To Peter Carr. Washington ed. ii, 241.
Ford ed., iv, 433.
(P.
1787)
