In the assessment of academic values, give a high place to sound health. The worth is so great that very slight may be the paragraph I write you. In the "Egoist," George Meredith says, "Health, wealth and beauty are three considerations to be sought for in a woman, who is to become the wife of Sir Willoughby." Wealth and beauty are quite as much out of ordinary results of the education of the American college as health should be among those results.
One may be sick, and through sickness become a saint; one may be sick and through sickness become a sinner. But one cannot be sick and at the same time be as good a worker as he would be if he were not sick. Good workers the world needs, and, therefore, men of first-rate health the world needs. If one is to be a great worker, one must have great health. It is not for me to write as would a physician, but I may be allowed to say that in caring for health, one should not become self-conscious. Let me further suggest:—
First—That you sleep eight hours.
Second—Exercise at least a half an hour each day in the gymnasium.
Third—Eat much of simple food; but not too much!
Fourth—Don't worry.
Fifth—Play ball much (base, foot, basket); but not too much!
In a word, be a good animal.
One of my old teachers once said to me after I was engaged in my work:—
"I am sorry to see you looking so well."
"Why?"
"Because every man has to break down three times in life. I broke down three times; Professor Hitchcock broke down three times; every man must break down three times, and the earlier the breaks come, the better."
There is no need of any man's breaking down, if he will observe with fair respect the laws of sleep, exercise and food.