Page:Convocation Addresses of the Universities of Bombay and Madras.djvu/518

 remember that intellectual concentration is more fruitful than intellectual dissipation. I strongly deprecate what may be called intellectual vagrancy.

As you are on the threshold of the world, it is important that you should have a clear idea of the principal objects you are to achieve or try to achieve. First, you are to secure for yourself material and moral happiness; secondly, you are to secure the same for all others to the utmost of your power. The means to be employed for these ends may be summarised in two words, —Knowledge and-Virtue. These you have acquired to a certain extent as certified by your degrees. Increase them by diligent and well-directed self-education. Promote them among the people to the utmost of your ability. Descending from these generalities, I might expatiate for days on details touching the various relations of life. But time being limited, I will lay before you a few specific hints roughly and rapidly. Do not expect anything new, learned or brilliant in these hints, or even so much as natural or logical order. I shall be satisfied if you, gentlemen, find in some of them practical truths of any little service to you in the careers before you.

I need not tell you, gentlemen, that the invaluable blessing of health is at the foundation of all happiness. Thoroughly learn the conditions on which health depends, and resolutely practise those virtues which preserve it. Promote public health and sanitation by private instruction, by advice and by example. A great deal might be quietly done in this direction with the result of more health and less disease, — more happiness and less misery. Any exhortation on the subject of health may seem unnecessary. But we often come across instances in which the inestimable blessing of health is sacrificed in the too eager pursuit of inadequate objects. Knowledge regarding health should be acquired early in youth, rather than when health has been lost or begins to decline. Do not trust your health to ignorant quacks. The longer and the more happily you live, the better will you fulfil the objects of the education imparted to you.

A healthy young man will soon find material wants pressing for satisfaction. He will have to select some profession or business in view to his livelihood. This necessity is early felt in India, and must not be long put off. The question is "how should you earn at least the minimum required for your maintenance." This should engage your earnest attention, because you will not find it satisfactory or honourable to live long on the industry of others. Do not take 29