The Mind Creative FEB 2014
Oil on canvas
The Italians make little difference between children, and nephews
or near kinsfolks; but so they be of the lump, they care not
though they pass not through their own body. And, to say truth,
in nature it is much a like matter; insomuch that we see a nephew
sometimes resembleth an uncle, or a kinsman, more than his
own parent; as the blood happens.
Let parents choose betimes, the vocations and courses they
mean their children should take; for then they are most flexible;
and let them not too much apply themselves to the disposition
of their children, as thinking they will take best to that, which
they have most mind to. It is true, that if the affection or aptness
of the children be extraordinary, then it is good not to cross it;
but generally the precept is good, optimum elige, suave et facile
illud faciet consuetudo. Younger brothers are commonly
fortunate, but seldom or never where the elder are disinherited.
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