| The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin: have on an average a wide range; but only that some of the species range
very widely; for the facility with which widely-ranging species vary and
give rise to new forms will largely determine their average range. For
instance, two varieties of the same species inhabit America and Europe, and
the species thus has an immense range; but, if the variation had been a
little greater, the two varieties would have been ranked as distinct
species, and the common range would have been greatly reduced. Still less
is it meant, that a species which apparently has the capacity of crossing
barriers and ranging widely, as in the case of certain powerfully-winged
birds, will necessarily range widely; for we should never forget that to
range widely implies not only the power of crossing barriers, but the more
On the Origin of Species |
The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie: either mercy or pity. I feel that you probably underestimate the
danger, and therefore warn you again that I can promise you no
protection. You have given us valuable information, and if you
choose to withdraw now no one could blame you. At any rate,
think the matter over well before you decide.
"If, in spite of my warnings, you make up your mind to go through
with it, you will find everything arranged. You have lived for
two years with Miss Dufferin, The Parsonage, Llanelly, and Mrs.
Vandemeyer can apply to her for a reference.
"May I be permitted a word or two of advice? Stick as near to
the truth as possible--it minimizes the danger of 'slips.' I
Secret Adversary |
The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from In Darkest England and The Way Out by General William Booth: At Whitechapel (been there three times) it has always been dirty; also
at St. George's. I had no bath at Mile End; they were short of water.
If you complain they take no notice. You then tie your clothes in a
bundle, and they give you a nightshirt. At most places they serve
supper to the men, who have to go to bed and eat it there. Some beds
are in cells; some in large rooms. You get up at 6 a.m. and do the
task. The amount of stone-breaking is too much; and the oakum-picking
is also heavy. The food differs. At St. Giles, the gruel left
over-night is boiled up for breakfast, and is consequently sour; the
bread is puffy, full of holes, and don't weigh the regulation amount.
Dinner is only 8 ounces of bread and 1 1/2 ounce of cheese, and its
In Darkest England and The Way Out |
