naturally display in performing it. But, while he thus contributes more
effectually to the accumulation of national wealth, he becomes himself
more and more degraded as a rational being. In proportion as his sphere of
action is narrowed his mental powers and habits become contracted; and he
resembles a subordinate part of some powerful machinery, useful in its
place, but insignificant and worthless out of it. If it be necessary, as
it is beyond all question necessary, that society should be split into
divisions and subdivisions, in order that its several duties may be well
performed, yet we must be careful not to yield up ourselves wholly and
exclusively to the guidance of this system; we must observe what its evils
are, and we should modify and restrain it, by bringing into action other
principles, which may serve as a check and counterpoise to the main force.

"There can be no doubt that every art is improved by confining the
professor of it to that single study. But, _although the art itself is
advanced by this concentration of mind in its service, the individual who
is confined to it goes back_. The advantage of the community is nearly in
an inverse ratio with his own.

"Society itself requires some other contribution from each individual,
besides the particular duties of his profession. And, if no such liberal
intercourse be established, it is the common failing of human nature, to
be engrossed with petty views and interests, to underrate the importance
of all in which we are not concerned, and to carry our partial notions
into cases where they are inapplicable, to act, in short, as so many
unconnected units, displacing and repelling one another.

"In the cultivation of literature is found that common link, which, among
the higher and middling departments of life, unites the jarring sects and
subdivisions into one interest, which supplies common topics, and kindles
common feelings, unmixed with those narrow prejudices with which all
professions are more or less infected. The knowledge, too, which is thus
acquired, expands and enlarges the mind, excites its faculties, and calls
those limbs and muscles into freer exercise which, by too constant use in
one direction, not only acquire an illiberal air, but are apt also to lose
somewhat of their native play and energy. And thus, without directly
qualifying a man for any of the employments of life, it enriches and
ennobles all. Without teaching him the peculiar business