Strength and happiness / by Richard A. Proctor.

  • Proctor, Richard A. (Richard Anthony), 1837-1888.
Date:
1885
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Strength and happiness / by Richard A. Proctor. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    quest or ceremonial observances were represented in paintings and sculptures, suggested in musical strains, or recited in story or in song ? What material gains, what sensual gratifications, what power, wealth, or fame, would make up for the pleasure men derive from the higher emotions ? and bow largely do these depend on the sympathies by which men are moved to loving care for the well-being of their fellows ? It remains, lastly, to be noticed that, as there should be thought for others, and for the just rights and interests of others in the family, in the society with which we are directly associated, and within the race or nation, so there should be a wider altruism having regard to the rights of other races and nations. Hitherto men have scarcely at all recognised this duty. Very gradually the sense of altruistic duty passed beyond the family to the community of families, and thence, still widening, to the nation formed of such communities. Men learned that as personal selfishness is in the long run opposed to the true interests of self, so family selfishness is only a degree less pernicious. The selfishness of paro- chialism was in turn seen to be mischievous, though it is still prevalent enough. But the selfishness of what is called patriotism—though it is as unlike true patriotism as personal selfishness is unlike due and wise self-regard—still remains as a virtue in the minds of most men, though characterised by inherent defects akin to those which belong to personal, family, and