| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Euthyphro by Plato: the gods?
EUTHYPHRO: Yes, Socrates.
SOCRATES: Upon this view, then, piety is a science of asking and giving?
EUTHYPHRO: You understand me capitally, Socrates.
SOCRATES: Yes, my friend; the reason is that I am a votary of your
science, and give my mind to it, and therefore nothing which you say will
be thrown away upon me. Please then to tell me, what is the nature of this
service to the gods? Do you mean that we prefer requests and give gifts to
them?
EUTHYPHRO: Yes, I do.
SOCRATES: Is not the right way of asking to ask of them what we want?
|
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Within the Tides by Joseph Conrad: and addressed Davidson.
"'Isn't it unfortunate about that child! The distress of that
woman there upsets me, but I am of no use in the world. I couldn't
smooth the sick pillow of my dearest friend. I have no hands.
Would you mind sticking one of those cigarettes there into the
mouth of a poor, harmless cripple? My nerves want soothing - upon
my honour, they do.'
"Davidson complied with his naturally kind smile. As his outward
placidity becomes only more pronounced, if possible, the more
reason there is for excitement; and as Davidson's eyes, when his
wits are hard at work, get very still and as if sleepy, the huge
Within the Tides |
