m, the rejection of what is unfit,
determines for him the character of the universe. A man is a method, a
progressive arrangement; a selecting principle, gathering his like to
him wherever he goes. He takes only his own out of the multiplicity that
sweeps and circles round him. He is like one of those booms which
are set out from the shore on rivers to catch drift-wood, or like the
loadstone amongst splinters of steel. Those facts, words, persons, which
dwell in his memory without his being able to say why, remain
because they have a relation to him not less real for being as yet
unapprehended. They are symbols of value to him as they can interpret
parts of his consciousness which he would vainly seek words for in the
conventional images of books and other minds. What attracts my attention
shall have it, as I will go to the man who knocks at my door, whilst
a thousand persons as worthy go by it, to whom I give no regard. It is
enough that these particulars speak to me. A few anecdotes, a few traits
of character, manners, face, a few incidents, have an emphasis in your
memory out of all proportion to their apparent significance if you
measure them by the ordinary standards. They relate to your gift.
Let them have their weight, and do not reject them and cast about for
illustration and facts more usual in literature. What your heart thinks
great is great. The soul's emphasis is always right.

Over all things that are agreeable to his nature and genius the man has
the highest right. Everywhere he may take what belongs to his spiritual
estate, nor can he take any thing else though all doors were open, nor
can all the force of men hinder him from taking so much. It is vain to
attempt to keep a secret from one who has a right to know it. It will
tell itself. That mood into which a friend can bring us is his dominion
over us. To the thoughts of that state of mind he has a right. All
the secrets of that state of mind he can compel. This is a law which
statesmen use in practice. All the terrors of the French Republic, which
held Austria in awe, were unable to command her diplomacy. But Napoleon
sent to Vienna M. de Narbonne, one of the old noblesse, with the morals,
manners and name of that interest, saying that it was indispensable to
send to the old aristocracy of Europe men of the same connection, which,
in fact, constitutes a sort of free-masonry. M. de Narbonne in less than
a fortnight penetrated all the secrets of the imper