To act coolly, intelligently and prudently in perilous circumstances is the test of a man - and also a nation.

The man who lives within his income, is naturally contented with his situation, which, by continual, though small accumulations, is growing better and better every day. He is enabled gradually to relax, both in the rigour of his parsimony and in the severity of his application; and he feels with double satisfaction this gradual increase of ease and enjoyment, from having felt before the hardship which attended the want of them. He has no anxiety to change so comfortable a situation, and does not go in quest of new enterprises and adventures, which might endanger, but could not well increase, the secure tranquillity which he actually enjoys. If he enters into any new projects or enterprises, they are likely to be well concerted and well prepared. He can never be hurried or drove into them by any necessity, but has always time and leisure to deliberate soberly and coolly concerning what are likely to be their consequences.

Truth should not be forced it should simply manifest itself like a woman who has in her privacy reflected and coolly decided to bestow herself upon a certain man.

To act coolly intelligently and prudently in perilous circumstances is the test of a man - and also a nation.