It is a fact that we all feel the intellectual part of man to be
'higher' than the animal, whatever our theory of his origin. It is a
fact that we all feel the moral part of man to be 'higher' than the
intellectual, whatever our theory of either may be. It is also a fact
that we all similarly feel the spiritual to be 'higher' than the moral,
whatever our theory of religion may be. It is what we understand by
man's moral, and still more his spiritual, qualities that go to
constitute 'character.' And it is astonishing how in all walks of life
it is character that tells in the long run.
It is a fact that these distinctions are all well marked and universally
recognized--viz.
{Animality.
{Intellectuality.
Human {Morality.
{Spirituality.
Morality and spirituality are to be distinguished as two very different
things. A man may be highly moral in his conduct without being in any
degree spiritual in his nature, and, though to a lesser extent, vice
versa. And, objectively, we see the same distinction between morals and
religion. By spirituality I mean the religious temperament, whether or
not associated with any particular creed or dogma.
There is no doubt that intellectual pleasures are more satisfying and
enduring than sensual--or even sensuous. And, to those who have
experienced them, so it is with spiritual over intellectual, artistic,
&c. This is an objective fact, abundantly testified to by every one who
has had experience: and it seems to indicate that the spiritual nature
of man is the highest part of man--the [culminating] point of his being.
It is probably true, as Renan says in his posthumous work, that there
will always be materialists and spiritualists, inasmuch as it will
always be observable on the one hand that there is no thought without
brain, while, on the other hand, instincts of man will always aspire to
higher beliefs. But this is just what ought to be if religion is true,
and we are in a state of probation. And is it not probable that the
materialistic position (discredited even by philosophy) is due simply to
custom and want of imagination? Else why the inextinguishable instincts?
It is much more easy to disbelieve than to believe. This is obvious on
the side of reason, but it is also true on that of spirit, for to
disbelieve is in accordance with environment or custom, while to believe
necessitates a spiritual use of the imagination. For both these
reasons, very few unbelievers have any justification, either
intellectual or spiritual, for their own unbelief.
Unbelief is usually due to indolence, often to prejudice, and never a
thing to be proud of.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account