I should learn to run, to wrestle, to swim, to ride horses, to row, to drive a car, to fire a rifle. I should fill my soul with flesh. I should fill my flesh with soul. In fact, I should reconcile at last within me the two internal antagonists.

متى أنزوي أخيرا في الوحدة ، بمفردى ، دون رفاق ، دون فرح أو حزن ، لايصحبنى سوى اليقين المقدسى بأن كل شيء ليس إلا حلما ؟ متى أعتزل فرحا مع أسمالي البالية – دون شهوات –فى الجبل؟

متى أختلى بعد أن أتبين أن جسدي ليس إلا مرضا و جريمة وشيخوخة و موتا، فى الغابة حرا ،دون خوف ،مليئا بالفرح؟ متى ؟ متى ؟

"The unfailing rhythm of the seasons, the ever-turning wheel of life, the four facets of the earth which are lit in turn by the sun, the passing of life — all these filled me once more with a feeling of oppression. Once more there sounded within me, together with the cranes' cry, the terrible warning that there is only one life for all men, that there is no other, and that all that can be enjoyed must be enjoyed here. In eternity no other chance will be given to us.

A mind hearing this pitiless warning — a warning which, at the same time, is so compassionate — would decide to conquer its weakness and meanness, its laziness and vain hopes and cling with all its power to every second which flies away forever.

Great examples come to your mind and you see clearly that you are a lost soul, your life is being frittered away on petty pleasures and pains and trifling talk. "Shame! Shame!" you cry, and bite your lips."