r backward
as a unity. It may move by peaceful and friendly co-operation or by the
stimulus of embittered rivalry. But its many centres are related by so
many strands of connexion that the movement in any one of these is
reflected in the rest. The liberties of England are fostered by the
emancipation of the Alsatian, the Slovak, or the Pole. They are
enfeebled by the victories of political autocracy or the military
machine. Thinkers, it may be said, ought to be above these mundane
influences. Philosophy should deal with what is in itself and eternally
rational and just and wise. But philosophy as it exists on earth is the
work of philosophers, who, authority tells us, suffer as much from
toothache as other mortals, and are, like others, open to the
impressions of near and striking events and to the seductions of
intellectual fashion. Yet, if the larger thought is worth anything, it
should enable those who follow it to look a little further beyond the
present and a little deeper below the surface differences that distract
the kindred peoples. If the thinkers are true to their thought it may be
that from them will come the beginnings of the healing process which
Europe will need. Much is being and will be said of the political
reconstruction which is needed to restore and secure the civilized
order. But the commonwealth of thought will revive of itself from the
day when peace is concluded. German physiology will not be less learned,
German scientists will not be less expert, German chemists will not be
less pre-eminent because their military lords have plunged Europe into a
disastrous war. We shall need their services, shall watch their
experiments, read their records, and utilize their brains as before.
Perhaps it may be some years before the international congresses can be
resumed, but the internationalism of learning will revive of itself,
against our wills if not by and with our wills, and in the world of
science, and in this world alone, the event of war will make no
difference. Conqueror and conquered will work at the same task and meet
as equals. The scientific demonstration knows no more of the nationality
of its originator than of his caste or colour, age or sex. In this one
real democracy the idea, the hypothesis, the proof, whatever it may be,
stands or falls on its own merits with no questions asked as to its
ancestors or country of origin. In the growth of this commonwealth war
is but a momentary check. Its de