Page:The reflections of Lichtenberg.djvu/152

 one’s advantage so that people suppose them to have been counted on beforehand and desired, shows the man of the world and often spells happiness as well. Indeed, merely to know this rule and constantly to bear it in mind is in itself an encouragement. Whoso has less than he wants must know that he has more than he deserves. The thought that a great many people must be in a worse position than ourselves does not, indeed, put a roof over our heads, but provides a good enough shelter during a passing shower.

Though one should err in the quest, it is none the less a merit to try to find the truth. Ask yourself whether you can explain the most simple things. This is the only way to form a sound system of thought, to test one’s powers and to turn one’s reading to account. To consider how any sort of thing might possibly be improved uponperiodicals, boots, pedometers, or what notis without doubt a splendid rule to go by, and always leads to something. A philosopher ought to make everything his concern; while to write about everything, even the most common, consolidates his thought as nothing else could. By such means a man obtains ideas, and lights upon novel views. It is not always the most learned who have the most original ideas.