in it, and without observing the characters of the persons, or the subjects of the conversation; but are either thinking of some trifle, foreign to the present purpose, or, often, not thinking at all; which silly and idle suspension of thought they would dignify with the name of absence and distraction. They go afterwards, it may be, to the play, where they gape at the company and the lights; but without minding the very thing they went to, the play. [Oct. 30, 1747.]
Action! Action!—Remember the hoc age; do
what you are about, be that what it will; it is either
worth doing well, or not at all. Wherever you are,
have (as the low, vulgar expression is) your ears
and eyes about you. Listen to everything that is
said, and see everything that is done. Observe the
looks and countenances of those who speak, which is
often a surer way of discovering the truth, than
from what they say. [Same date.]
Value of Time.—I knew, once, a very covetous,
sordid fellow, who used frequently to say: "Take
care of the pence, for the pounds will take care of
themselves." This was a just and sensible reflection
in a miser. I recommend to you to take care of the
minutes; for hours will take care of themselves. I
am very sure that many people lose two or three
