| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Vicar of Tours by Honore de Balzac: wither, because the constant expression of happiness which blooms on
the faces of other women and gives so soft a grace to their movements
has never existed for them. They grow sharp and peevish because all
human beings who miss their vocation are unhappy; they suffer, and
suffering gives birth to the bitterness of ill-will. In fact, before
an old maid blames herself for her isolation she blames others, and
there is but one step between reproach and the desire for revenge.
But more than this, the ill grace and want of charm noticeable in
these women are the necessary result of their lives. Never having felt
a desire to please, elegance and the refinements of good taste are
foreign to them. They see only themselves in themselves. This instinct
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Economist by Xenophon: eyes, while our ears have heard your reputation as a first-rate
horseman and the wealthiest of men.
Isch. Yes, Socrates, such is my conduct, in return for which I am
rewarded with--the calumnies of half the world. You thought, I
daresay, I was going to end my sentence different, and say that a host
of people have given me the enviable title "beautiful and good."
I was indeed myself about to ask, Ischomachus (I answered), whether
you take pains also to acquire skill in argumentative debate, the cut
and thrust and parry of discussion,[19] should occasion call?
[19] Lit. "to give a reason and to get a reason from others." Cf.
"Cyrop." I. iv. 3.
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