This time I am writing to inform you that I shall not be sending 
you anything. 

I have decided to abandon all literary work for a while in order 
to devote more time to studying. The reasons for this are fairly 
plain. I am young and self-taught in philosophy. I have learnt 
enough to form my own viewpoint and, when necessary, to defend 
it, but not enough to be able to work for it with success and in the 
proper way. All the greater demands will be made on me because 
Iam a “travelling agent” in philosophy and have not earned the 
right to philosophise by getting a doctor’s degree. I hope to be 
able to satisfy these demands once I start writing again—and 
under my own name. In addition I must not try to do too many 
things now, as I shall soon be again more fully occupied with 
business matters. Regarded subjectively, my literary activities have 
so far been mere experiments from the outcome of which I was to 
be able to learn whether my natural capacities were such as to 
enable me to work fruitfully and effectively for progress and to 
participate actively in the movement of the century. I can be 

satisfied with the results and now regard it as my duty to acquire 
by study, which I now continue with redoubled zest, also more and 
more of that which one is not born with. 

When I return home to the Rhineland in October” I hope to 
be able to meet you in Dresden and to discuss this with you 
further. In the meantime my good wishes and think of me now 
and again. 

Yours, 
F, Engels 

. 

Berlin, 26.7.42 

Have you read Jung’s reply *°? I think it is the best thing he has 
written so far. In the meantime, the other Jung,* of the Rheinische 
Zeitung in Cologne, has arrived here and will look you up on his 
return journey in a few weeks’ time.