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I might say "gentle criticism" rather than insults, but the beginning and end of the letter do make it clear that he is specifically advising his brother: http:

I might say "gentle criticism" rather than insults, but the beginning and end of the letter do make it clear that he is specifically advising his brother: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/6408/6408-h/6408-h.htm#link2H_4_0016 http://www.gutenberg.org/files/6408/6408-h/6408-h.htm#link2H... > You have only one failing, and the falseness of your position, and your unhappiness and your catarrh of the bowels are all due to it. That is your utter lack of culture. >You must drop your vanity, you are not a child ... you will soon be thirty. It is time! I expect you.... We all expect you.

gmarx 10y ago
disagree that this is gentle. If you assume that every bit of advice implies that his brother is the opposite it's pretty bad
- burkaman 10y ago
  Well, he prefaces it with "I think you are kind to the point of softness, magnanimous, unselfish, ready to share your last farthing; you have no envy nor hatred; you are simple-hearted, you pity men and beasts; you are trustful, without spite or guile, and do not remember evil.... You have a gift from above such as other people have not: you have talent." Sounds like his brother probably satisfies at least 1, 2, and 3. That's why I say gentle; he says "you're a great guy, you have natural talent and the potential to be cultured, just need to work on your attitude and develop your talent".