Creating my future, one miracle at a time

To act with common sense, according to the moment, is the best wisdom I know; and the best philosophy, to do one's duties, take the world as it comes, submit respectfully to one's lot, bless the goodness that has given us so much happiness with it, whatever it is, and despise affectation.

• Horace Walpole in a letter to Sir Horace Mann (1776-05-27)