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Nordau, Max Simon, 1849-1923

"The Malady of the Century"

I
will not work the illustration to death. You can see by this what I
mean. I think a far-reaching activity is the first business of
mankind. Our nerves are not so much those of sensation as of
movement; we do not only take in impressions from the outside, we
are provided with organs which give out impressions received from
within. Every sensation of movement which nature sends through us is
a summons to be answered by an action, not only self-culture, not
example, not passive good-will toward others, but by the intention
an object of activity toward the world and humanity. The Middle Ages
summoned up the business of life in the words, 'Ora et Labora.' They
are beautiful words, and after this lapse of time we take the
meaning out for ourselves, in other words, 'Think and Act.'"
The woman's laughter from the next room became louder, and then they
heard chairs pushed back, and the noise of departure. The rustling
of a silk dress, with the clinking of spurs and sword, passed the
door, became fainter, and then ceased. It was near midnight, and
Schrotter rose to go. He was thinking of Bhani, who was sitting up
for him at home. The dinner must have been paid for beforehand, for
the guests were spared the sight of a money transaction to chill the
end of their pleasant evening.


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