"
Wilhelm was silent.
"Don't misunderstand me. I have not a word to say in favor of the
regulation of duels. I abhor them. It is as stupid and brutal as the
offering of human sacrifices to appease angry gods. I myself have
never fought in a duel. But I--I am already on the shadowy side of
life. I want nothing more from the world. But those still on the
sunny side have other things to consider. I think war is a horrible
barbarism, still I would not advise any one to hold back from his
duty in time of war. Men are often compelled to take part in the
foolishness of majorities. I know your heart is in the right place,
and that you don't place any exaggerated value on your life. You are
content to stand alone in the world, and have no mortgage of
obligation on your life. Why will you not fight?"
"Simply because I think as you do about duels. I agree that one must
often take part in the folly of the crowd, but I see a difference
there. I go and fight in battle because the State compels me. I can
struggle against these laws with my feeble forces, and I can exert
myself to bring about their alteration; but so long as they exist I
must submit to them, or else exile myself or commit suicide. If the
duel were a written law, I would fight; but the law as a matter of
fact forbids it, and my opinions are in accordance with the law.
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