Extract from Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph
| Paris Aug. 27. 1786. |
knowlege indeed is a desireable, a lovely possession, but I do not scruple to say that health is more so. it is of little consequence to store the mind with science if the body be permitted to become debilitated. if the body be feeble, the mind will not be strong. the sovereign invigorator of the body is exercise, and of all exercise walking is best ... no one knows, till he tries, howe easily a habit of walking is acquired. a person who never walked three miles will in the course of a month become able to walk 15. or 20. without fatigue. I have known some great walkers & had particular accounts of many more: and I never knew or heard of one who was not healthy & long lived.