Etzler, J. A. (John Adolphus). Paradise within the reach of all men
It would seem from this and various indications beside, that there is a
transcendentalism in mechanics as well as in ethics. While the whole
field of the one reformer lies beyond the boundaries of space, the
other is pushing his schemes for the elevation of the race to its
utmost limits. While one scours the heavens, the other sweeps the
earth. One says he will reform himself, and then nature and
circumstances will be right. Let us not obstruct ourselves, for that is
the greatest friction. It is of little importance though a cloud
obstruct the view of the astronomer compared with his own blindness.
The other will reform nature and circumstances, and then man will be
right. Talk no more vaguely, says he, of reforming the world,—I will
reform the globe itself. What matters it whether I remove this humor
out of my flesh, or this pestilent humor from the fleshy part of the
globe? Nay, is not the latter the more generous course? At present the
globe goes with a shattered constitution in its orbit. Has it not
asthma, and ague, and fever, and dropsy, and flatulence, and pleurisy,
and is it not afflicted with vermin? Has it not its healthful laws
counteracted, and its vital energy which will yet redeem it? No doubt
the simple powers of nature, properly directed by man, would make it
healthy and a paradise; as the laws of man’s own constitution but wait
to be obeyed, to restore him to health and happiness. Our panaceas cure
but few ails, our general hospitals are private and exclusive. We must
set up another Hygeian than is now worshipped. Do not the quacks even
direct small doses for children, larger for adults, and larger still
for oxen and horses? Let us remember that we are to prescribe for the
globe itself.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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