When I came into the Country, and saw that I had all time in my own hands, having devoted it wholy to the study of Felicitie, I knew not where to begin or End; nor what Objects to chuse, upon which most Profitably I might fix my Contemplation. I saw my self like som Traveller, that had Destined his Life to journeys, and was resolved to spend his Days in visiting Strange Places: who might wander in vain, unless his Undertakings were guided by some certain Rule; and that innumerable Millions of Objects were presented before me, unto any of which I might take my journey…. What then should I do? Even imitat a Traveller, who becaus He cannot visit all Coasts, Wildernesses, Sandy Deserts, Seas, Hills, Springs and Mountains, chuseth the most Populous and flourishing Cities, where he might see the fairest Prospects, Wonders and Rarities, and be entertained with greatest Courtesie…. For which caus I made it my Prayer to GOD Almighty, that He, whose Eyes are open upon all Things, would guid me to the fairest and Divinest.
[Thomas Traherne, qtd. here]
