| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Pivot of Civilization by Margaret Sanger: offers to the world, free societies, free states, free nations rather
than absolutely free individuals. In all organisms and in all social
organizations, the freedom of the minor units must be limited in order
that the larger unit may achieve a new and greater freedom, and in
social evolution the freedom of individuals must be merged more and
more into the larger freedom of society.''
This analogy does not bear analysis. Restraint and constraint of
individual expression, suppression of individual freedom ``for the
good of society'' has been practised from time immemorial; and its
failure is all too evident. There is no antagonism between the good of
the individual and the good of society. The moment civilization is
|
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Wrong Box by Stevenson & Osbourne: pretty clear idea of his opinion of the case. But, what will
perhaps interest you still more, here is a cutting on the subject
from a Vienna newspaper, which I will now read to you,
translating as I go. You can see for yourselves; it is printed in
the German character.' And he held the cutting out for
verification, much as a conjuror passes a trick orange along the
front bench.
'Hullo, old gentleman! Is this you?' said Michael, laying his
hand upon the orator's shoulder.
The figure turned with a convulsion of alarm, and showed the
countenance of Mr Joseph Finsbury. 'You, Michael!' he cried.
|
