Only
they can appreciate the classics who have something that is classic
within them. They must have the heart true in its feeling, tender in
its sentiments. Even a child can have that. They must have the mind
trained in the truest and best way of expressing thought. And a child
may begin to learn that. Hence we see that a child may be classic
worthy. Only we must never, _never_, no matter what is our ability,
think we are better or above others. The more talents one has the more
one is expected to do and the greater duty it is.[31]
Thus far we have three truths; now here is a fourth: Some love the
classics sooner and better than others because they have more power.
And how do they get it? They think more (thought-making); they feel
more (heart-learning); and they see more (truth-seeking).
Let us at once go back and gather together these four truths. They are
important. Perhaps some of us who are willing to spend the time will
learn them from memory.
And to repay us for the trouble of doing it we shall have greater and
greater understanding of many things. Here they are:
I. Good thoughts and the proper writing of them make the classics.
II. Great thoughts, expressed well, out of a great heart, make the
works which last the longest.
III. Only they can appreciate the classics who have something that
is classic within them.
Pages:
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51