The
only way in which they can think is by talking, and their speech
consequently is not the expression of opinion already and carefully
formed, but the manufacture of it.
We may also tell our troubles to those who are suffering if we can
lessen their own. It may be a very great relief to them to know that
others have passed through trials equal to theirs and have survived.
There are obscure, nervous diseases, hypochondriac fancies, almost
uncontrollable impulses, which terrify by their apparent singularity.
If we could believe that they are common, the worst of the fear would
vanish.
But, as a rule, we should be very careful for our own sake not to speak
much about what distresses us. Expression is apt to carry with it
exaggeration, and this exaggerated form becomes henceforth that under
which we represent our miseries to ourselves, so that they are thereby
increased. By reserve, on the other hand, they are diminished, for we
attach less importance to that which it was not worth while to mention.
Secrecy, in fact, may be our salvation.
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