| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Eryxias by Platonic Imitator: who requires the greatest quantity of necessaries for body and diet, or he
who requires only the fewest and least? The answer will perhaps become
more obvious if we suppose some one, comparing the man himself at different
times, to consider whether his condition is better when he is sick or when
he is well?
CRITIAS: That is not a question which needs much consideration.
SOCRATES: Probably, I said, every one can understand that health is a
better condition than disease. But when have we the greatest and the most
various needs, when we are sick or when we are well?
CRITIAS: When we are sick.
SOCRATES: And when we are in the worst state we have the greatest and most
|
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from The Forged Coupon by Leo Tolstoy: "Have you hurt yourself, Alyosha?"
"Ah! no, it's nothing."
But he could not raise himself when he tried
to, and began to smile.
He was taken into the lodge. The doctor ar-
rived, examined him, and asked where he felt the
pain.
"I feel it all over," he said. "But it doesn't
matter. I'm only afraid master will be annoyed.
Father ought to be told."
Alyosha lay in bed for two days, and on the third
The Forged Coupon |
