Diary Entry of November 9, 1869
Richard works in lovely weather while the children are in the garden and Cosima feels unwell despite rest. Asked for a tribute to firemen, he drafts one immediately and offers a motto on blessedness through renouncing happiness. The day is brief but turns on work, weather, and a flash of Brahman-like wisdom.
Tuesday, November 9:
R. working; lovely weather, the children in the garden, I unwell in spite of a good night. R. is asked for a tribute to the firemen, which he immediately drafts.
“He who forswears happiness is blessed”—this motto, says R., is worthy of the young Goethe (the grandson!), and it came to him as a word of Brahman wisdom.