Did you ever see history portrayed as an old man with a wise brow and pulse less heart, waging all things in the balance of reason?Is not rather the genius of history like an eternal, imploring maiden; full of fire with a burning heart and flaming soul? Humanly warm and humanly beautiful. Therefore, if you have the capacity to suffer or rejoice with the generation that have been; to hate with them, to love with them, to admire, to despise, to curse as they have done. To live among them with your whole heart and not alone with your cold, reflecting judgment. If so, then follow me. Remember though that your heart will guide you better than I.
Upon that I rely... and begin
~Zachris Topelius