life's utility

Here are three entries from the Journals of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Only the first is definitely for this day.

April 12, 1837

I find it the worst thing in life that I can put it to no better use. One would say that he can have little to do with his time who sits down to so slow labor & of such doubtful return as studying Greek or German; as he must be an unskilful merchant who should invest his money at three per cent. Yet I know not how better to employ a good many hours in the year. If there were not a general as well as a direct advantage herein we might shoot ourselves.