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Vienna, January 8, 1900
IX., Berggasse 19
Dear Wilhelm,
I am glad to have news of my friend Conrad.1 On the basis of these few samples of his behavior, it is my judgment2 that he is a good boy. Whether he adopts his name as a guiding principle for his future activities3 or else the strange circumstances of his birth celebrated by me, I believe I can predict that there is something capable and reliable about him, and that he will succeed in whatever he sets out to do. I reserve the pleasure of making his personal acquaintance once he is over the worst.
The new century, the most interesting thing about which for us may be that it contains the dates of our deaths, has brought me nothing but a stupid review in the Zeit by Burckhard,4 the former director of the Burgtheater (not to be confused with our old Jacob).5 It is hardly flattering, uncommonly devoid of understanding, and — worst of all — to be continued in the next issue. Even Oscar Rie thinks that these are the sorts of objections one raises before one has read the book.
I do not count on recognition, at least not in my lifetime. May you fare better! At least you can address yourself to a more respectable, educated audience, at home with ideas. I have to deal in obscure matters with people I am ten to fifteen years ahead of and who will not catch up with me. So all I seek is quiet and some material