A Memorial of Mrs. Margaret Breckinridge — John Stuart Mill — John Shaqi
A Memorial of Mrs. Margaret Breckinridge
John Stuart Mill · en
Carefully avoid giving _unnecessary trouble_ wherever you are. The
difference between different persons in this respect is very
conspicuous. Some, when in the houses of their friends, have so many
little wants, so many errands to perform, and are so absorbed in their
own affairs, that, if permitted, they would keep several servants and
others constantly employed in waiting upon them. You may rely upon it
you can never be, long together, welcome visitants in families which you
subject to so much trouble. Make as few demands as possible on the time
and attention of those whose hospitality you are enjoying. Never call
upon their servants to wait upon you when it is practicable to avoid it.
Never allow the occupations or order of any family to be set aside or
disarranged on your account, where it is possible to prevent it. In
short, act universally on the principle of doing every thing that you
can for yourselves, and making as few demands as possible on the time
and labour of those around you.
In _calling on friends_ consult their convenience, as well as your own;
and in some cases in preference to your own. Many make their calls at
such hours, and sit so inordinately long, as to throw a whole family
into disorder, and inflict very serious pain. Never sit long in your
social calls at any time; but when you make them at times which may, by
possibility interfere with domestic meals, let them be _very short_; be
on the watch for every symptom of engagement or uneasiness on the part
of those whom you visit, and on the appearance of any thing of the kind,
instantly take your leave.
Constantly maintain the habit of _early rising_. Few things are more
conducive to health and activity both of body and mind. A disposition
to lie long in bed in the morning, is, at once, a symptom and a cause of
feeble digestion, of nervous debility, and of general languor. Go early
to bed. Avoid much night study. Quit your beds by dawn of day, and, in
winter, before the dawn, and thus secure several hours of unbroken time,
for devotion, for study, and for gentle exercise in the open air, before
breakfast, and before the interruptions of the earliest visitors
commence.