"The whole world is only an outward phenomenon, and the only reality
is my own consciousness," said Barinskoi; "therefore I see in the
would only myself, live only for myself, and try only to please
myself, I am an extreme individualist. My morality allows me to
gratify my senses by pleasant impressions, to convey to my
consciousness pleasant representations, so as to enjoy as much as
possible. Enjoyment is the only object of my existence, and to
destroy all those who come in the way of it is my right."
Wilhelm wondered whether this frightful code could possibly belong
to the same views of life which, in despising the enjoyment of the
senses, denied desires, demanded the sacrifice of individuality for
the sake of others, and found happiness in the enjoyment of love for
one's neighbors, and in the struggle for human reason over animal
instinct?
Barinskoi understood Wilhelm's character and saw that he could quite
safely trust to his forbearance and his single-mindedness, so he
made no further secret of the fact that he was a Nihilist and an
Anarchist. When Wilhelm asked him if he imagined what the
realization of his theories meant, he had the answer ready.
"We demand unconditional freedom. Our will shall not be confined by
the will of others, or by oppressive laws.
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