Menticulture; or, the A-B-C of True LivingFletcher, Horace
Religion
Menticulture; or, the A-B-C of True Living
Fletcher, Horace
Anger; Conduct of life; Worry
The germ cure of the evil passions in the individual, followed by the
germ cure of social clumsiness in the body politic, form the only hope
of Emancipation from the evils which beset the social structure. For
these there is no real necessity. There is already such a surplus of
mechanical energy, such a surplus of creature comforts, and such a
surplus of luxuries on our planet, that a moderately sensible
distribution of them, would render every inhabitant comfortable and
happy. Among the Emancipated the desire to make a generous distribution
of these surplus stores would be as natural as is the habit of
recognizing "the rule of the road" among us all to-day. So also, the
vast amount of surplus energy born of Emancipation would find a natural
outlet in the arts.
In suggesting the possibility of a Social Paradise or Community Heaven,
it is presupposed that education along the lines of both intellectual
and manual training will have become universal, and that every one
shall render service to his fellows according to his strength; also
that idleness, when one should work, and deception in trade, will have
come to be classed as crimes, and not as evidences of "shrewdness."
[Sidenote: Thirty years of Travel]
It has been my good fortune to travel to and fro over the earth's
surface for thirty years, years of experience passed among the people
of many different nations. I have made quick comparisons of the habits
and customs of them all; and I have observed how easily some do things
that others perform clumsily. The standard measure of my comparison has
always been Japan. I could not help observing there less crime, better
appreciation of art and nature, more physical dexterity and skill,
fewer notes out of harmony, and more general happiness, gentleness, and
consideration for fellows and animals; less (almost no) religious or
sectional prejudice; a universal patriotism and respect for authority
(as good children are respectful of the authority of beloved parents);
a love of life, but no fear of death; and many other qualities that
have commanded the respect of the world under the bright light of
recent events.
[Sidenote: Brave Little Japan]
[Sidenote: World's Congress of Religions]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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