Bythree methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection, which is noblest;second, imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is thebitterest.
Conflictis the gadfly of thought. It stirs us to observation and memory. Itinstigates to invention. It shocks us out of sheeplikepassivity, and sets us at noting and contriving.
Onecomes to believe whatever one repeats to oneself sufficiently often, whetherthe statement be true or false. It comes to be dominating thought in one'smind.
