If we are perfectly honest
with ourselves we shall not find it difficult to settle whether we ought
to do this or that particular thing, and we may be content. The new
legislation will come naturally at the appointed time, and it is not
impossible to live while it is on the way.
AN APOLOGY
In these latter days of anarchy and tumult, when there is no gospel of
faith or morals, when democracy seems bent on falsifying every
prediction of earlier democratic enthusiasts by developing worse dangers
to liberty than any which our forefathers had to encounter, and when the
misery of cities is so great, it appears absurd, not to say wrong, that
we should sit still and read books. I am ashamed when I go into my own
little room and open Milton or Shakespeare after looking at a newspaper
or walking through the streets of London. I feel that Milton and
Shakespeare are luxuries, and that I really belong to the class which
builds palaces for its pleasure, although men and women may be starving
on the roads.
Nevertheless, if I were placed on a platform I should be obliged to say,
"My brethren, I plainly perceive the world is all wrong, but I cannot
see how it is to be set right," and I should descend the steps and go
home.
Pages:
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77