Even If We Narrow The
Question To The Destiny Of The Individual, The Sacrifice Of
Each One For The Good Of The Whole Is Doubtless The Highest
Aim The One Can Have.
But this conclusion scarcely helps us; for remember, the
option is not given to all.
Genius, or talent, or special
aptitude, is a necessary equipment for such an undertaking.
Great discoverers must be great observers, dexterous
manipulators, ingenious contrivers, and patient thinkers.
The difficulty we started with was, what you and I, my
friend, who perhaps have to row in the same boat, and perhaps
'with the same sculls,' without any of these provisions, what
we should do? What point of the compass should we steer for?
'Whatever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.'
Truly there could be no better advice. But the 'finding' is
the puzzle; and like the search for truth it must, I fear, be
left to each one's power to do it. And then - and then the
countless thousands who have the leisure without the means -
who have hands at least, and yet no work to put them to -
what is to be done for these? Not in your time or mine, dear
friend, will that question be answered. For this, I fear we
must wait till by the 'universal law of adaptation' we reach
'the ultimate development of the ideal man.' 'Colossal
optimism,' exclaims the critic.
CHAPTER XXXIX
IN February, 1855, Roebuck moved for a select committee to
inquire into the condition of the Army before Sebastopol.
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