That, Above All Else, You Should Not Do

"You are looking outward - and that above all else you should not do now.  Nobody can console and help you.  Nobody.  There is only one single way.  Go into yourself, search for the reason that bids you to write.  Find out whether it is spreading out its roots in the deepest places of your heart.  Acknowledge to yourself whether you would have to die if it were denied you to write.  This, above all else, ask yourself in the stillest hour of your darkest night "must I write?'.  Delve into yourself for a deep answer.  And if this should be affirmative, if you may meet this earnest question with a strong and simple 'I must' the build your life according to this necessity and your life, even in its most indifferent and slightest hour, must be a sign of this urge and a testimony to it."