However Great the Crowds that Surround You

'You must withdraw, mentally rather than physically,

in your intention, in your devotion, in your spirit... 

You enjoy this solitude if you refuse to share in the common gossip, 

if you shun involvement in the problems of the hour 

and set no store by the fancies that attract the masses; 

if you reject what everybody covets, 

avoid disputes, make light of losses, and pay no heed to injuries.... 

However great the crowds that surround you, 

you can enjoy the benefits of solitude if you  

refrain from curiosity about other people's conduct and shun rash judgement.'

St. Bernard

Painting: Wojtkiewicz Mi Carême in Paris