| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Meno by Plato: the interrogation of one of Meno's slaves, who, in the skilful hands of
Socrates, is made to acknowledge some elementary relations of geometrical
figures. The theorem that the square of the diagonal is double the square
of the side--that famous discovery of primitive mathematics, in honour of
which the legendary Pythagoras is said to have sacrificed a hecatomb--is
elicited from him. The first step in the process of teaching has made him
conscious of his own ignorance. He has had the 'torpedo's shock' given
him, and is the better for the operation. But whence had the uneducated
man this knowledge? He had never learnt geometry in this world; nor was it
born with him; he must therefore have had it when he was not a man. And as
he always either was or was not a man, he must have always had it.
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Koran: And when our signs are recited to them manifest, those who
misbelieve say to those who believe, 'Which of the two parties is best
placed and in the best company?'
And how many generations before them have we destroyed who were
better off in property and appearance?
Say, 'Whosoever is in error, let the Merciful extend to him length
of days!-until they see what they are threatened with, whether it be
the torment or whether it be the Hour, then they shall know who is
worse placed and weakest in forces!'
And those who are guided God will increase in guidance.
And enduring good works are best with thy Lord for a reward, and
The Koran |
