The vain man is the loneliest of human beings. He is constantly longing to be seen, understood, acknowledged, admired, and loved.
I could say much on the subject, for I too was once vain. It was only in actual solitude that I conquered the loneliness of vanity. It is enough for me that I exist.
How far removed this is from all that is mere show.
Now I understand my father's last act. He did not mean to punish me. His only desire was to arouse me; to lead me to self-consciousness; to the knowledge which, teaching us to become different from what we are, saves us.
I understand the inscription in my father's library:--"When I am alone, then am I least alone."
Yes; when alone, one can more perfectly lose himself in the life universal. I have lived and have come to know the truth. I can now die.
He who is at one with himself, possesses all....