Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, November 27, 1920

There are times if we have been disposed to take stock of ourselves & are not pleased with the summary when we are compelled to make definite resolutions. From now on, we will wipe out such and such a failing out of our life; we would cut a sharp line between Past and Future like a kildeer suddenly forsakes the slime of the swamp, to describe his exquisite silvery curves of flight in the upper air; But it is then we realize the value of discipline; were we properly disciplined there would be no need of sudden quixotic resolutions; we would take our part in life without any self-conscious restraints on ourselves. And I find in my own case that I have allowed myself to fall into habits useless profanity and insincerity – How much better it would be if I would recoil from loose talk naturally and if my sincerity could be unstudied.