this not always wisest; it is often of better avail from the start
to seek that which is highest. When the waters beleaguer the home of
the peasant in Holland, the sea or the neighbouring river having
swept down the dyke that protected the country, most pressing is it
then for the peasant to safeguard his cattle, his grain, his
effects; but wisest to fly to the top of the dyke, summoning those
who live with him, and from thence meet the flood, and do battle.
Humanity up to this day has been like an invalid tossing and turning
on his couch in search of repose; but therefore none the less have
words of true consolation come only from those who spoke as though
man were freed from all pain. For, as man was created for health, so
was mankind created for happiness; and to speak of its misery only,
though that misery be everywhere and seem everlasting, is only to
say words that fall lightly and soon are forgotten. Why not speak as
though mankind were always on the eve of great certitude, of great
joy? Thither, in truth, is man led by his instinct, though he never
may live to behold the long-wished-for to-morrow. It is well to
believe that there needs but a little more thought, a little more
courage, more love, more devotion to life, a little more eagerness,
one day to fling open wide the portals of joy and of truth. And this
thing may still come to pass. Let us hope that one day all mankind
will be happy and wise; and though this day never should dawn, to
have hoped for it cannot be wrong. And in any event, it is helpful
to speak of happiness to those who are sad, that thus at least they
may learn what it is that happiness means. They are ever inclined to
regard it as something beyond them, extraordinary, out of their
reach. But if all who may count themselves happy were to tell, very
simply, what it was that brought happiness to them, the others would
see that between sorrow and joy the difference is but as between a
gladsome, enlightened acceptance of life and a hostile, gloomy