The Commonplace 49 



THE CONCLUSION OF THE WHOLE MATTER 



I have now reviewed some of the elements 

 of the sympathetic attitude toward nature, and 

 have tried to show how this outlook means 

 greater efficiency, hopefulness, and repose. 



I have no mind to be iconoclast, to try to 

 tear down what has been built, or to advise any 

 man to change his occupation or his walk in 

 life. That would be impossible to accomplish, 

 even were it desirable to advise. But even in 

 the midst of all our eagerness and involvedness, 

 it is still possible to open the mind toward na- 

 ture, and it will sweeten and strengthen our 

 lives. Nature is our environment, and we can- 

 not escape it if we would. The problem of our 

 life is not yonder : it is here. 



The seeking of truth in fresh fields and for 

 the love of it, is akin to the enthusiasm of youth. 

 Men keep young by knowing nature. They 

 also keep close to the essentials. One of the 

 New Sayings of Jesus is this: "Raise the stone, 

 and there thou shalt find me ; cleave the wood, 

 and there am I." 



