"
"But there are laws of society as well as laws of the State. There
are customs which prevail over opinion and prejudices."
"That is not the same thing. If the folly of the majority form
itself into laws of the State, the gendarmes see to their
enforcement. No judge or jailer compels obedience to the laws of
society."
"Something like it, however. It is unspeakably bitter to live
without the respect of one's fellow-creatures."
"I am coming to that point. But please do not think me overbearing
and conceited. The respect of my fellow-men I hold far more lightly
than self-respect. If I despised myself it would be no compensation
if every one saluted me, and if I respect myself, it does not
trouble me if others hold me lightly. When I am not forcibly
compelled I cannot let my own actions be guided by the caprices and
fads of other people. So long as it is possible my actions shall be
guided by my own judgment. You say you want nothing more of the
world--I require nothing more either. The only thing I demand is the
freedom of the soul."
"Yes--yes," murmured Schrotter as if to himself, "I know this
direction of thought better than you think. It has been brought
before me a hundred times by the word and action of Indian fakirs.
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