Because of childhood illnesses, Stevenson's early education was often interrupted. Yet, it was reported that, before he could even read, he had taken to dictating stories to his mother and his nurse. His father, himself having dabbled in writing, was proud of his son's interest and encouraged him.
His father, grandfather, and brothers were all employed as lighthouse engineers. Toward that end, in November 1867 he entered the University of Edinburgh to study engineering. But, he showed little or no enthusiasm for his studies and, eventurally, in April 1871, announced to his father his decision to forego the family business in favor of a life of letters. Though the elder Stevenson was naturally disappointed, the surprise cannot have been great, and Stevenson's mother reported that he was "wonderfully resigned" to his son's choice.¹ read more
"Everyone should always have two books with him, one to read and one to write in."
"To be what we are capable of becoming, and to achieve what we are capable of achieving, is the only end of life."
"Perpetual devotion to what a man calls his business, is only to be sustained by perpetual neglect of many other things."
Robert Louis Stevenson @ brandeis.edu
University of South Carolina Rare Books
Complete Collection of his Poems
¹ Robert Louis Stevenson Bio
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