“We were speaking of handsome men the other evening, and I was wondering why K. had so lost the beauty for which five years ago he was so famous. ‘O, it’s because he never did anything,’ said B.; ‘he never worked, thought, or suffered. You must have the mind chiselling away at the features, if you want handsome middle-aged men.’ Since hearing that remark, I have been on the watch to see whether it is generally true—and it is. A handsome man who does nothing but eat and drink grows flabby, and the fine lines of his features are lost; but the hard thinker has an admirable sculptor at work, keeping his fine lines in repair, and constantly going over his face to improve, if possible, the original design.”
Therefore, we infer that this moderate (outdoor) exercise is conducive to beauty, health, and longevity. Moderate activity of the mind the same.
Idleness begets licentious thoughts and deeds. Activity of body and mind in honorable pursuits calls away the nervous power from the lower to the higher organs. A lively, cheerful, clean man or woman, is seldom wicked or licentious.
Sleep.
By the assistance of John G. Saxe, we have already given those
“Early to bed, and early to rise,
Makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise,”
fellows a touch of our opinion on too early rising. I base my judgment upon careful and continued observation during many years.
The Scriptures teach that the day is for work, and night for sleep. This turning day into night, sitting up till near midnight, is all wrong. It is ruinous to health and beauty. This other extreme, of rising at four or five o’clock and pitching into hard labor, is wearing and tearing to the constitution; and though nature for a while adapts herself to the necessity, by browning and unnaturally developing the exposed parts of such deluded or unfortunate persons, it does it at the expense of his length of days. He will not live so long for his over-doing.
Begin by retiring earlier, at the first indication after nightfall of fatigue and sleepiness. If sweaty, wash the skin quickly, as previously directed, with warm water, rubbing dry and warm, and cover up. Lie on one side. Do not sleep on your back. You are more liable to dream laborious or frightful dreams, snore, or have nightmare. Do not sleep in clothes worn during the day.
Unfortunate is the man or woman, who, from necessity, arises before six or seven in winter, or five to seven in summer.