Item 82 - Letter from Henry Sidgwick to his mother

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Informs her that he has been trying to procure for her a novel by Mrs Paul, but has lost his copy and cannot find a copy in the University Library. Promises to get one for her 'some way or other.' Is glad that she is enjoying herself and is amused to hear of William's decorations. Fears that he will not be able to go to Oxford that term, but hopes to see William at the end of it. Claims not to have inclination to taking much trouble with his temporary accommodation. Remarks that 'a bachelor making himself comfortable seems...an incongruous thing.' Observes that fellows of colleges have a tendency to become lazy and luxurious, and states that he does not intend to be the latter. Remarks that William 'is not lazy or luxurious'. Apologises for boring her with a 'dull and egotistical discourse'.

Declares that he enjoyed his visit to London; 'every moment was filled up with something delightful.' Remarks that 'the happiness of life does depend on intellectual sympathy' to him, and that when he gets 'a good deal of it at once', such as during a London holiday, 'one seems to live a good deal in the time'; notes that if one lived among the same people one would get less of it.

Part transcription in Sidgwick, Arthur, and Sidgwick, E. M, 'Henry Sidgwick'. London: Macmillan, 1906, pp 162-163.