The first excerpt represents the past or something you must release, and is drawn from Reason Discourse by Rene Descartes: as a history, or, if you will, as a tale, in which, amid some examples worthy
of imitation, there will be found, perhaps, as many more which it were
advisable not to follow, I hope it will prove useful to some without being
hurtful to any, and that my openness will find some favor with all.
From my childhood, I have been familiar with letters; and as I was given
to believe that by their help a clear and certain knowledge of all that is
useful in life might be acquired, I was ardently desirous of instruction.
But as soon as I had finished the entire course of study, at the close of
which it is customary to be admitted into the order of the learned, I
completely changed my opinion. For I found myself involved in so many
doubts and errors, that I was convinced I had advanced no farther in all
 Reason Discourse |
The second excerpt represents the present or the deciding factor of the moment, and is drawn from Bucky O'Connor by William MacLeod Raine: "What do you mean about one not singing after daybreak?" asked
the girl, with eyes dilating.
"What! Hasn't he told you? Senor the ranger is to be hanged at
the dawn unless he finds his tongue for Governor Megales. Ho, ho!
Our birdie must speak even if he doesn't sing." And with that as
a parting shot the man clanged the door to after him and locked
it.
"You never told me, Bucky. You have been trying to deceive me,"
she groaned.
He shrugged his shoulders. "What was the use, girlie? I knew it
would worry you, and do no good. Better let you sleep in peace, I
|
The third excerpt represents the future or something you must embrace, and is drawn from Damaged Goods by Upton Sinclair: is a phrase which I repeat on every occasion, and which I would
wish to post upon the walls. It is that syphilis is an imperious
mistress, who only demands that one should recognize her power.
She is terrible for those who think her insignificant, and gentle
with those who know how dangerous she is. You know that kind of
mistress--who is only vexed when she is neglected. You may tell
this to your daughter--you will restore her to the arms of her
husband, from whom she has no longer anything to fear, and I will
guarantee that you will be a happy grandfather two years from
now."
Monsieur Loches at last showed that he was weakened in his
|