Présentation de l'éditeur
In the Editor s Study, Harper s Magazine, February, 1918 It may seem to some readers of the Study that we entertain too exalted expectations of the war and what is to come from it. The terms we have used in our expression of these have, perhaps, suggested to many a premature anticipation of the millennium as the inevitable epilogue of what is so conspicuously an A rmageddon. Frankly, we indulge in no such exaggerated optimism. When we use the phrase, the salvation of all men, including our enemies, we have not meant to ignore its spiritual significance, believing, as we firmly do, that there is no real advance of humanity which does not include the whole man. But also we have not meant to identify salvation with sanctity, but rather with sanity both of vision and action. Nor do we look for the complete renovation of our human nature or even for the complete political emancipation of all the peoples of the earth as the immediate result of the present world conflict. The great hope we entertain for humanity, fortunately, does not rest upon any brilliant and overwhelmingly decisive particular event, anticipated or unexpected, in the near future. Man, as mentally constituted and developed, is by necessity a planner; but the success of his most deeply laid plans is very far from being the realization of an evolutional purpose, while, on the other hand a fortuitous happening that seems most auspicious may prove his ruin or, one of foreboding aspect may veil a happy issue. Visible actualities events or careers await their interpretation through what comes after them. So dramatic a career as Napoleon sdoes not, within the compass of the spectacle, explain itself its significance for the world is shown by the Europe he left behind him, become what it was by reaction to his ambitious adventure. Only hidden spiritual characteristics have the power to show forth for wha
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