Touching Bottom


Photograph

WJ. Diary [1]. Autograph manuscript, signed, [1868-1873] Contains diary entries, reading notes, reading lists, and sketches. b MS Am 1092.9 (4550)

"Hitherto, when I have felt like taking a free initiative, like daring to act originally, without carefully waiting for contemplation of the external world to determine all for me, suicide seemed the most manly form to put my daring into. Now I will go a step further with my will, not only act with it, but believe as well; believe in my individual reality and creative power."