They finally react to imaginary slights and so on.

The skin loses the power of adaptation to changes in temperature, humidity etc. Practising austerity, going without a scarf sometimes, keeps these faculties in good order, and the skin healthy.

So with the mind. Those who are always protecting themselves against looking foolish or against little insults, by leading very sheltered lives, become more and more sensitive, and finally react to imaginary slights and so on.

One cannot learn to skate, or to speak in public, or a foreign language, or any new skill, without looking ridiculous occasionally. But it does no harm to look ridiculous, and it is a ladder to mastery.

© Trevor Leggett