For example, the farmer can best further the growth of character by developing his farm as successfully as possible, doing his own work well, and thereby aiding his associates to fulfil their part efficiently. A farm must be conducted as a farm, under the conditions which nature imposes, directed by the man who has learned to know and work with nature. If a moral must be appended let it be inspired by the work itself, and by encouraging the farmer to speak as nature has taught him. Some of the most fruitful conversations in the world spring up amidst participants in toil. But when there is work to be done, or the crops will not be harvested in time, you should adapt your talk to the situation. Work compels us to be practical, hence it is one of the gods in disguise who hold us close to the life that is worth while.

By the same law a book must be allowed to grow, a picture to approach completion, a sermon to take form. When you see an artist browsing, or a thinker ruminating, do not break in by giving him something to do with his hands. The worker must take the current when it serves, and you should know when to pass by in reverent silence. Each worker knows what is sacred to his peculiar task. The secrets of creation are locked up in the sphere of work, and he alone shall learn them who is faithful to his genius.

A piece of work, then, has a life of its own, and