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To live in the equilibrium of the spirit while living at the same time in the turmoil of the world--this is the philosopher's practical but glorious task. The monk whose inner voice directs him to seek the cloistered life of a monastic institution must be honoured for obeying it. That is his special way. Some may even envy his sheltered peace while others may shudder at his somber asceticism. But the philosopher, who seeks the One in the Many and finds the Many in the One, sees no undue superiority either in the girdled robe or the trousered suit. He is ready and willing to be a monk or to be a worldling, whichever way the wisdom of destiny, the pressure of circumstances, the guidance of conscience, and the inclination of temperament indicate. However, he will generally prefer to keep his independence by keeping to himself, rather than become prisoner to other people's fanaticism. Nor does his view of life separate the universe from God, activity in it from a godly life.

-- Notebooks Category 3: Relax and Retreat > Chapter 1 : Take Intermittent Pauses > # 91