"It is a great pity that you cannot study; it seems to me that you have ability."

"I am studying; I read."

"That is not enough; you need a school; a system." I felt inclined to say to him:

"You had the advantages of both school and system, my fine fellow, and what is the result?"

But he added, as if he had read my thoughts: "Given the proper disposition, a school is a good educator. Only very well educated people make any mark in life."

But once he counseled me:

"You would be far better away from here. I see no sense or advantage to you in staying."

"I like the work."

"Ah—what do you find to like?"

"I find it interesting to work with them."