Day 0032

Went to the Morgan Library and Museum today. An extremely opulent environment, full of fine art, first-edition books, marble, wood panelling and all the trimmings. First reaction: despair that I will never be able to surround myself by such precious works of art. Envy, jealousy of so many beautiful possessions and such a stimulating place to live and think and study and learn.

But on reflection, must remember Milton:

The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven. John Milton, Paradise Lost

You can carry all of that beauty, learning and repose within you, wherever you go. Must remember, Marcus Aurelius said it too:

Men seek retreats for themselves, houses in the country, by the seashore, in the mountains; and you too are wont to desire such things very much. But this is a mark of the most common sort of men, for it is in your power whenever you choose to retire within yourself. Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

Started another self-portrait.