But if, by this act of deceit, there have come not more
simpleness, loftier faith, wider range to your love, then have you
been deceived in vain, and may truly say nothing has happened.
10. Let us always remember that nothing befalls us that is not of
the nature of ourselves. There comes no adventure but wears to our
soul the shape of our everyday thoughts; and deeds of heroism are
but offered to those who, for many long years, have been heroes in
obscurity and silence. And whether you climb up the mountain or go
down the hill to the valley, whether you journey to the end of the
world or merely walk round your house, none but yourself shall you
meet on the highway of fate. If Judas go forth to-night, it is
towards Judas his steps will tend, nor will chance for betrayal be
lacking; but let Socrates open his door, he shall find Socrates
asleep on the threshold before him, and there will be occasion for
wisdom. Our adventures hover around us like bees round the hive when
preparing to swarm. They wait till the mother-idea has at last come
forth from our soul, and no sooner has she appeared than they all
come rushing towards her. Be false, and falsehoods will haste to
you; love, and adventures will flock to you, throbbing with love.
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