Heed these wise words from history

OURS is a know-all society. Experts daze us with facts; academics and pundits squabble over interpretations; the study of the human mind is broken into ever-narrowing fields. So I seek wisdom in the past.

The notable English essayist, wit and clergyman, Sydney Smith (1771-1845) wrote the best advice for tackling depression I have ever read. A letter to his friend Lady Georgiana Morpeth lists 20 wise, practical ‘prescriptions’ — all of which are relevant today. He explains: ‘Nobody has suffered more from low spirits than I have — so I feel for you.’ This man knows what he’s talking about.

With no space for them all, I’ll pick out the plums. How sensible to suggest Georgiana spends time with ‘friends who respect and like you’, reads ‘amusing books’ and avoids things (dreary plays, for example) likely to bring the spirits down.

In other words, folks — ditch toxic people, depressing TV and keep off Twitter! When he advises ‘short views of human life — no further than dinner or tea’, he’s tapping into that universal wisdom (from Buddhism to Mindfulness) which advocates living in the present.

I like this: ‘Don’t expect too much of human life, a sorry business at the best’ — because it’s healthy to accept the shortcomings and disappointments we may experience, and be realistic about what we can hope for. At the same time, he advocates fresh air, ‘good blazing fires’, making your sitting room ‘gay and pleasant’, avoiding laziness, keeping busy.

Here are my favourites: ‘Make no secret of low spirits to your friends, but talk of them freely — they are the worst for dignified concealment.’ (Don’t bottle it all up!) Then, for essential self-worth: ‘Don’t be too severe upon yourself, or underrate yourself, but do yourself justice.’ He suggests comparing ‘your lot with other people’ — not to envy but because you may think yourself lucky in comparison. And his first: ‘Live as well as you dare.’ I’ll clink glasses with that, wise Rev.

Bel answers readers’ questions on emotional and relationship problems each week. Write to Bel Mooney, Daily Mail, 2 Derry Street, london W8 5TT, or email bel.mooney@dailymail.co.uk. A pseudonym will be used if you wish. Bel reads all letters but regrets she cannot enter into personal correspondence.