NOTES 343 



In a tone of sad pessimism he brings his volume to a close. 

 From a contemplation of the glories that might be achieved by 

 mankind in searching out the marvels of creation he turns to his 

 own age and his own country, only to see on every side proofs 

 of decadence. No one now cared for the pursuit of wisdom. 

 Philosophy and every liberal study were neglected. The schools 

 of philosophy were dying. If his countrymen even now would 

 set themselves with all their energy to the task, if the young 

 would give their sober attention and the elders would teach them, 

 they would scarcely succeed in reaching the bottom of the well 

 in which truth lies. Meanwhile they were searching merely on 

 the surface of the ground and with but a slack hand. 



