"<p>Whenever you can - but never by stealing time from your work and acting in haste with a guilty conscience! - go to one of the thermal public baths, two or three times a week. Bathing is a very old human custom, and it not only exercises and refreshes the body, but also the soul. Bathe slowly, according to your body's laws, with deliberation and patience. The thermal waters will infuse your body and invigorate your soul, soothing your nerves, which are overwhelmed by work and the world. Spas are a kind of wet monastery where you can surrender your body and soul undisturbed to sober and equitable rest. The sulfurous, iron waters act through the pores of the skin on the internal organs and our nervous system; the atmosphere of the spa, the veil of humidity, frees us from the cheap images of the outside world. So bathe regularly and methodically, like the Romans.</p> <p>Never mind if this habit of yours is despised by the Spartans; remember that Sparta did not give the world a single independent thinker, and was eventually destroyed anyway. Bathe yourself with a clear conscience. Bathe methodically, alternating hot and lukewarm and then cold pools and showers, surrender your body to the dexterity of the masseurs, sit for long periods in the warm water, tolerate having your skull rolled up in a cold-water turban, surrender your body and soul to the calm of the warm water, the lukewarm silence, think, learn aquatic patience, relax. You can't relax in the lap of the houris like you can in a thermal spa pool. And in the hot air-heated chamber, never stay more than two or three minutes. And tip the staff well. And know that you're mortal, but you owe your body something. For instance, spa, twice a week; three times a week at the most.</p>"