§ 36

Man was not made to be a machine; Industrialism would make him one; man was created for a fair open-air life to be a healthy hearty animal under the sun. Into him had been breathed something God-like, if he chose to use it; to create a new Eden, not a new Hell. We have had enough of his creative powers for the latter, we mean to use them for the former! It’s just a matter of choice, that is all. We have only to change the direction of creative impulse from sources of destruction to sources which will insure construction and preservation of the fittest. It is by that habit of mind and direction of effort we shall fall again into the footpaths of our noble predecessors, and create in them new departures, which, not being ephemeral and time-serving, will act as sign-posts for those to come; because, surely we are not responsible for a temporary success, but for the fields we leave to be gleaned when we have passed! These thoughts took hold of me and held me tight, as I walked to and fro in the City, watching all and talking to some of its inhabitants, some of keen intelligence, more of sullen discontented demeanour, a few but little above animals; not their fault, but of the misdirection of their lives, the unwholesome teaching of their leaders (a little more intelligent than they, a good deal more self-seeking and artful), and generally, if not universally, defective in sound early education and example. Tired with the fatigues of the day, and passionately longing for better things, I found an inn, and went to bed, to sleep, perchance to dream.