A superficial acquaintance with such accomplishments as music and
drawing is useless and undesirable. They should not be attempted
unless there is taste, talent, and time enough to attain excellence. I
have frequently heard young women of moderate fortune say, 'I have not
opened my piano these five years. I wish I had the money expended upon
it. If I had employed as much time in learning useful things, I should
have been better fitted for the cares of my family.'
By these remarks I do not mean to discourage an attention to
the graces of life. Gentility and taste are always lovely in all
situations. But good things, carried to excess, are often productive
of bad consequences. When accomplishments and dress interfere with
the duties and permanent happiness of life, they are unjustifiable and
displeasing; but where there is a solid foundation in mind and heart,
all those elegancies are but becoming ornaments.
Some are likely to have more use for them than others; and they are
justified in spending more time and money upon them. But no one should
be taught to consider them valuable for mere parade and attraction.
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