"
E.
_The Senses and the Soul_
What we know is a point to what we do not know." The first
questions are still to be asked. Let any man bestow a thought on
himself, how he came hither, and whither he tends, and he will find
that all the literature, all the philosophy that is on record, have
done little to dull the edge of inquiry. The globe that swims so
silently with us through the sea of space, has never a port, but with
its little convoy of friendly orbs pursues its voyage through the
signs of heaven, to renew its navigation again forever. The
wonderful tidings our glasses and calendars give us concerning the
hospitable lights that hang around us in the deep, do not appease but
inflame our curiosity; and in like manner, our culture does not lead
to any goal, but its richest results of thought and action are only
new preparation.
Here on the surface of our swimming earth we come out of
silence into society already formed, into language, customs, and
traditions, ready made, and the multitude of our associates
discountenance us from expressing any surprise at the somewhat
agreeable novelty of Being, and frown down any intimation on our part
of a disposition to assume our own vows, to preserve our
independence, and to institute any inquiry into the sweet and sublime
vision which surrounds us.
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