NEWS OF SPRING 



it has exceeded its limits; and, if it does not take anything 

 from beyond them, does this not mean that there is nothing 

 outside that sphere? Does it not mean that the methods of the 

 human mind are the only possible methods, that man has not 

 erred, that he is neither an exception nor a monster, but the 

 being through whom pass, in whom are most intensely mani- 

 fested the great demands, the great desires of the universe? 



28 



The landmarks of our consciousness emerge slowly, 

 grudgingly. Perhaps Plato's famous allegory is no longer 

 sufficient: I mean the cave with the wall above it whence the 

 shadows of unknown men and objects are thrown into the 

 cave below; but, if we tried to substitute a new and more exact 

 image in its place, this would be hardly more consoling. Sup- 

 pose Plato's cave enlarged. No ray of daylight ever enters 

 it. With the exception of light and fire, it has been care- 

 fully supplied with all that our civilization admits; and men 

 have been imprisoned in it from their birth. They would not 

 regret the light, having never seen it; they would not be blind, 

 their eyes would not be dead, but, having nothing to look at, 

 would probably become the most sensitive organ of touch. 



[104] 



