Letter 039a Paris, 29 September 1875
Dear Theo,
Boy, be careful, do not lose your resistance.
See things as they are, and do not approve of everything for yourself. It is possible to deviate, to the right as well as to the left.
Think of what Pa has undoubtedly said more than once to you, too; The intellect and the feeling must go hand in hand.
Cordial greetings, and always,
Your affectionate brother, Vincent
Write again soon.
I advised you to go out a good deal, but if you don’t like to, don’t do it.
You know I used not to go out so much myself, which occasioned unpleasant remarks many a time.
How I should like it if we could have breakfast together or drink a cup of chocolate in my room. Keep courage, old fellow.
Don’t take things that don’t really concern you very closely too much to heart, and don’t let them hit you too hard.
How about eating bread, have you tried that? In a great hurry I shake your hand warmly in thought.