So Much Had This Man's
Superior Knowledge, And His Ability To Converse In Their Language,
Rendered Him Valuable And Beloved, Even Among A Nation In A State Of
Barbarism.
Perhaps with the capacity which Providence had allotted to
him, and which had been cultivated no farther than the
Simplicity of
his education would permit, he was more adapted to raise the New
Zealanders to a state of civilization similar to that of his own
islands than ourselves, to whom the want of the intermediate links,
which connect their narrow views to our extended sphere of knowledge,
must prove an obstacle in such an undertaking." - G.F.
This is a liberal observation in respect of Tupia, but it is liable to
much objection as a general maxim. Besides the greater number of
impracticable prejudices which attach themselves to imperfectly
cultivated minds when placed in new situations, and which often render
well-meant exertions unavailing, it is certain, that superior
knowledge both affords greater aptitude of accommodation to unusual
circumstances by the speedy discovery it enables the person to make of
the principles on which they depend, and, at the same time,
facilitates the management and direction of them when known, by the
accustomed exercise of the faculties which it implies. Mr F. seems to
have imposed on himself by the gratuitous use of figurative language.
Where there is a want of intermediate links, there is certainly no
connection; but admitting that all mankind is made up of the same
materials, it may be very safely inferred, that the most civilized and
best educated European carries about with him the whole chain, betwixt
the "narrow views" of the New Zealanders and his own "extended sphere
of knowledge." The physical wants of our species are the same in all
regions of the globe, and so are our passions.
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