And yet there seems no need that any should fear we should grow
too wise. The path of truth has obstacles enough of its own. We
dwell on the surface of nature. We dwell amidst surfaces; and
surface laps so closely on surface, that we cannot easily pierce to
see the interior organism. Then the subtlety of things! Under every
cause, another cause. Truth soars too high or dives too deep, for
the most resolute inquirer. See of how much we know nothing. See
the strange position of man. Our science neither comprehends him as
a whole, nor any one of its particulars. See the action and reaction
of Will and Necessity. See his passions, and their origin in the
deeps of nature and circumstance. See the Fear that rides even the
brave. See the omnipresent Hope, whose fountains in our
consciousness no metaphysician can find. Consider the phenomenon of
Laughter, and explore the elements of the Comic. What do we know of
the mystery of Music? and what of Form? why this stroke, this outline
should express beauty, and that other not? See the occult region of
Demonology, with coincidence, foresight, dreams, and omens.
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