| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Last War: A World Set Free by H. G. Wells: distinguished from rivalry, has almost abruptly ceased to be the
usual occupation, and has become at most a subdued and hidden and
discredited thing. Contentious professions cease to be an
honourable employment for men. The peace between nations is also
a peace between individuals. We live in a world that comes of
age. Man the warrior, man the lawyer, and all the bickering
aspects of life, pass into obscurity; the grave dreamers, man the
curious learner, and man the creative artist, come forward to
replace these barbaric aspects of existence by a less ignoble
adventure.
There is no natural life of man. He is, and always has been, a
 The Last War: A World Set Free |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Magic of Oz by L. Frank Baum: we will conquer them with ease."
"That seems like a good idea," replied the boy, approvingly. "And
in such a case, we need not bother with the other beasts of the forest."
"No; you have frightened the beasts, and they would no longer
consent to assist us in conquering Oz. But those monkeys are foolish
creatures, and once they are transformed to Giants, they will do just
as we say and obey our commands. Can you transform them all at once?"
"No, I must take one at a time," said Kiki. "But the fifty
transformations can be made in an hour or so. Stay here, Ruggedo, and
I will change the first monkey--that one at the left, on the end of
the limb--into a Giant with a sword."
 The Magic of Oz |