IN April 1882 my father died; and I was at once whirled out of my land of dreams into a very different sphere.

My ideas had been taking a socialistic shape for many years; but they were lacking in definite outline.

Great success in examinations does naturally not as a rule go with originality of thought.

What is the good of life if its chief element, and that which must always be its chief element, is odious? No, the only true economy is to arrange so that your daily labor shall be itself a joy.

The other thing that happened in 1883 was my reading of Thoreau's Walden.

With my somewhat vague aspiring mind, to be imprisoned in the rude details of a most material life was often irksome.

Remember, the serpent is still living in the Garden of Eden. Only the heterosexual couple was expelled.