The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Deputy of Arcis by Honore de Balzac: proceed. That Violette is the worthy son of his grandfather; I think
he is capable of enriching himself by going into bankruptcy,--there's
neither law nor gospel in him."
"He is very intelligent," said Beauvisage.
"You have given him the good-will of a fine business for thirty
thousand francs, which is certainly worth fifty thousand; and in ten
years he has only paid you ten thousand--"
"I never sued anybody yet," replied Beauvisage, "and I'd rather lose
my money than torment a poor man--"
"A man who laughs at you!"
Beauvisage was silent; feeling unable to reply to that cruel remark,
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Lesser Hippias by Plato: would be, if you chose? Might he not sometimes stumble upon the truth,
when he wanted to tell a lie, because he did not know, whereas you who are
the wise man, if you wanted to tell a lie would always and consistently
lie?
HIPPIAS: Yes, there you are quite right.
SOCRATES: Does the false man tell lies about other things, but not about
number, or when he is making a calculation?
HIPPIAS: To be sure; he would tell as many lies about number as about
other things.
SOCRATES: Then may we further assume, Hippias, that there are men who are
false about calculation and number?
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