"
"That is not enough," Paul broke in, "this self-culture in one's own
study does no one any good. For that reason I do not mind if I
appear unphilosophical. One has duties toward one's fellowmen. One
must be useful to the State, as a good citizen. One must make money,
to add to the national wealth."
"Bravo, Herr Haber," said Mayboom gravely. "You speak like a town-
crier," and after a short pause he added, "That is a great
compliment from me."
"We express the same meaning in different forms," answered "Wilhelm,
"How can you add to the national wealth? By making yourself a rich
man. And I try to be useful to the community by educating myself in
the greatest possible morality, and the highest ideal of a citizen.
No one can work outside of himself when every individual strives to
be good and true, then the whole people will be good and noble."
"Now you are disputing as to your life's duty," cried Baninskoi,
whose eyes glowed, and whole face was red with the alcohol he had
imbibed. "Prove first that it is a duty. I deny without exception
every duty to others. Why should I trouble myself about the world?
What are my fellow-creatures to me? Dinner is trumps, and long live
wine!" and he drank a glassful.
"It is an instinct born with us," said Wilhelm, without any
vexation, "to care for one's fellow-creatures, and to feel a duty in
sympathy for others.
Pages:
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275