"And indeed, my dear, I know not how to
forbear writing. I have now no other employment or diversion. And I must write on, although I were not to send it to anybody. You have often heard me own the advantages I have found from writing down everything of moment that befalls me; and of all I
think, and of all I
do, that may be of future use to me; for besides that this helps to form one to a style, and opens and expands the ductile mind, every one will find that many a good thought evaporates in thinking; many a good resolution goes off, driven out of memory perhaps by some other not so good. But when I set down what I
will do, or what I
have done, on this or that occasion, the resolution or action is before me either to be adhered to, withdrawn, or amended; and I have entered into
compact with myself, as I may say; having given it under my own hand to
improve, rather than to go
backward, as I live longer." --
Clarissa
