My dear friend, before the sun dips below the western hills, ask yourself if you have set aside a single hour today to learn something new. Do not let the day end with only the habits of your youth repeating themselves in an empty circle. Give up the excuse that there is no time left for anything but what was done long ago.

When I speak of adding to one’s stock, I mean quite literally filling a mind that has already held much weight. It is easy to think old age brings only the settling of dust, yet I found my greatest thirst quenched by Greek literature precisely when I was an elder man. The world still holds secrets for those who seek them with avidity, and your own wisdom may be sharpened by a single new thought before night falls.