A journal takes the place of a confidant, that is, of friend or wife; it becomes a substitute for production, a substitute for country and public. It is a grief-cheating device, a mode of escape and withdrawal; but, factotum as it is, though it takes the place of everything, properly speaking it represents nothing at all.
Henri Frederic AmielOur duty is to be useful, not according to our desires but according to our powers.
Henri Frederic Amiel