| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Aspern Papers by Henry James: We had more than enough material without them, and my
predicament was the just punishment of that most fatal
of human follies, our not having known when to stop.
It was very well to say it was no predicament, that the way
out was simple, that I had only to leave Venice by the first
train in the morning, after writing a note to Miss Tita,
to be placed in her hand as soon as I got clear of the house;
for it was a strong sign that I was embarrassed that when I
tried to make up the note in my mind in advance (I would put it
on paper as soon as I got home, before going to bed), I could
not think of anything but "How can I thank you for the rare
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Economist by Xenophon: sufficient continence and self-command in those respects. So that if
you will only advise me on what I am to do to improve my estate, I
flatter myself I shall not be hindered by those despotic dames, as you
call them. Come, do not hesitate; only tender me what good advice you
can, and trust me I will follow it. But perhaps, Socrates, you have
already passed sentence on us--we are rich enough already, and not in
need of any further wealth?
Soc. It is to myself rather, if I may be included in your plural "we,"
that I should apply the remark. I am not in need of any further
wealth, if you like. I am rich enough already, to be sure. But you,
Critobulus, I look upon as singularly poor, and at times, upon my
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| The third excerpt represents the element of Water. It speaks of pure spiritual influences and feelings of love, and is drawn from Criminal Sociology by Enrico Ferri: been only by way of platonic and isolated declaration, with
no such systematic development as might have given them practical
application, based on experimental observations. Moreover, this
prevention has always been held as subsidiary to repression,
whereas we have arrived at the positive conclusion that
prevention, instead of being a mere secondary aid, should
henceforth become the primary defensive function of society, since
repression has but an infinitesimal influence upon criminality.
Furthermore, it is important to observe the profound distinction
between ordinary prevention and penal substitutes; or in other
words, between prevention by police and prevention by society.
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The fourth excerpt represents the element of Earth. It speaks of physical influences and the impact of the unseen on the visible world, and is drawn from The Rescue by Joseph Conrad: and it was in a perfectly even tone that she said, "Give me your
arm, Captain Lingard. We can't stay all night on this spot."
As they moved on she thought, "There is real greatness in that
man." He was great even in his behaviour. No apologies, no
explanations, no abasement, no violence, and not even the
slightest tremor of the frame holding that bold and perplexed
soul. She knew that for certain because her fingers were resting
lightly on Lingard's arm while she walked slowly by his side as
though he were taking her down to dinner. And yet she couldn't
suppose for a moment, that, like herself, he was emptied of all
emotion. She never before was so aware of him as a dangerous
The Rescue |
