| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from The Crisis in Russia by Arthur Ransome: manifestation, and many have gone so far as to say that the
productivity of labor in one of these armies is lower than
among ordinary workmen. Both sides produce figures on
this point, and Trotsky goes so far as to say that if his
opponents are right, then not only are labor armies damned,
but also the whole principle of industrial conscription. "If
compulsory labor-independently of social condition-is
unproductive, that is a condemnation not of the labor
armies, but of industrial conscription in general, and with it
of the whole Soviet system, the further development of
which is unthinkable except on a basis of universal industrial
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The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from The Memorabilia by Xenophon: will lend me a helping hand, it seems; otherwise you would rather not
forge any petty fiction for my benefit.
Soc. But tell me, how shall I assist you best, think you? By praising
you falsely or by persuading you to try to be a good man? Or if it is
not plain to you thus, look at the matter by the light of some
examples. I wish to introduce you to a shipowner, or to make him your
friend: I begin by singing your praises to him falsely thus, "You will
find him a good pilot"; he catches at the phrase, and entrusts his
ship to you, who have no notion of guiding a vessel. What can you
expect but to make shipwreck of the craft and yourself together? or
suppose by similar false assertions I can persuade the state at large
The Memorabilia |
The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from The Marriage Contract by Honore de Balzac: to-day when I tell him that I shall let you go to Paris without me,
and you will see on his face, no matter what pains he takes to conceal
it, his inward joy."
"Why should he feel so?"
"Why? Dear child! I am like Saint-Jean Bouche-d'Or. I will tell that
to himself, and before you."
"But suppose I marry on condition that you do not leave me?" urged
Natalie.
"Our separation is necessary," replied her mother. "Several
considerations have greatly changed my future. I am now poor. You will
lead a brilliant life in Paris, and I could not live with you suitably
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