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Literary
October 13, 1866
American Citizen
Canton, Madison County, Mississippi
What is this article about?
Essay reflecting on the development of the human mind, likened to marble shaped by diverse influences including parents, teachers, friends, foes, novelists, servants, and trifles, ultimately modifying one's character through accidental circumstances.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
A Solemn Reflection
Addison, in one of his admirable essays, compares the human mind to unhewn block of marble which, shaped and dressed by the statuary's chisel, finally emerges an almost breathing image of life and beauty, of symmetry and grace. It were well to consider, however, that process of developing the human mind is conducted by multiform, miscellaneous, and often conflicting agencies. From the rude elemental mass, every passer-by snatches a chip, or impresses upon it a lineament. Parents may work upon it- teachers may work upon it. But they work not alone, Friends touch emerging form-foes touch it- the novelist imparts a feature-the servant in the kitchen shapes a part the fleeciest cloud of heaven gives shade or a line-all things work upon it, and trifles light as air contribute to its form and complexion. It is painfully interesting to observe how the whole tenor and temper of an individual's history is modified by accidental
Addison, in one of his admirable essays, compares the human mind to unhewn block of marble which, shaped and dressed by the statuary's chisel, finally emerges an almost breathing image of life and beauty, of symmetry and grace. It were well to consider, however, that process of developing the human mind is conducted by multiform, miscellaneous, and often conflicting agencies. From the rude elemental mass, every passer-by snatches a chip, or impresses upon it a lineament. Parents may work upon it- teachers may work upon it. But they work not alone, Friends touch emerging form-foes touch it- the novelist imparts a feature-the servant in the kitchen shapes a part the fleeciest cloud of heaven gives shade or a line-all things work upon it, and trifles light as air contribute to its form and complexion. It is painfully interesting to observe how the whole tenor and temper of an individual's history is modified by accidental
What sub-type of article is it?
Essay
What themes does it cover?
Moral Virtue
What keywords are associated?
Human Mind
Character Formation
Diverse Influences
Moral Development
Accidental Circumstances
Literary Details
Title
A Solemn Reflection
Key Lines
Addison, In One Of His Admirable Essays, Compares The Human Mind To Unhewn Block Of Marble Which, Shaped And Dressed By The Statuary's Chisel, Finally Emerges An Almost Breathing Image Of Life And Beauty, Of Symmetry And Grace.
From The Rude Elemental Mass, Every Passer By Snatches A Chip, Or Impresses Upon It A Lineament.
Parents May Work Upon It Teachers May Work Upon It. But They Work Not Alone, Friends Touch Emerging Form Foes Touch It The Novelist Imparts A Feature The Servant In The Kitchen Shapes A Part The Fleeciest Cloud Of Heaven Gives Shade Or A Line All Things Work Upon It, And Trifles Light As Air Contribute To Its Form And Complexion.
It Is Painfully Interesting To Observe How The Whole Tenor And Temper Of An Individual's History Is Modified By Accidental