"
"Very well. Let us also abolish the public announcement of eating,
drinking, dancing and other performances, as the remnants of
barbarism or of original animal nature, and let us introduce the
universal duty of philosophy. A soiree of Berlin bankers--sub specie
oeiernitatis--that would do very well, and you must take out a
patent for it."
"Students' jokes, my friend, are not arguments. I am quite in
earnest in what I say, and I feel melancholy when I see Loulou and
the others playing about like thoughtless animals."
"I am going to speak seriously about the joke now, and show you
another side to the question. Is it not in the highest degree
foolish of a young man without position, to set against him men who
carry the sign of recognition from their king, and the esteem of
their fellow-citizens? Cannot the example of the consideration they
enjoy spur us to endeavors to attain the same? Cannot your
acquaintance with them be made useful?"
Wilhelm shook his head. "No, I prefer all these distinguished men
when they are doing their own work. They do not interest me here,
because they have laid aside all the characteristics which make
distinguished people of them. I think they lower their dignity when
I see these statesmen, heroes of campaign, representatives of the
people, laughing, joking, and playing together like any little
shopkeeper after closing hours.
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