jecting those that resort to the weapons of hypocrisy.

Persons who cultivate common sense never refuse to admit their errors.

One may truly affirm that they are rarely far from the truth, because
they practise directness of thought and force themselves never to deviate
from this mental attitude.

Abandoning for a moment his favorite demonstration by means of symbolism,
Yoritomo said to us:

"Common sense should be thus defined:

"It is a central sense, toward which all impressions converge and unite
in one sentiment--the desire for the truth.

"For people who possess common sense, everything is summed up in one
unique perception:

"The love of directness and simplicity.

"All thoughts are found to be related; the preponderance of these two
sentiments makes itself felt in all resolutions, and chiefly in the
reflections which determine them.

"Common sense permits us to elude fear which always seizes those whose
judgment vacillates; it removes the defiance of the Will and indicates
infallibly the correct attitude to assume."

And Yoritomo, whose mind delighted in extending his observations to the
sociological side of the question, adds:

"Common sense varies in its character, according to surroundings and
education.

"The common sense of one class of people is not the same as that of a
neighboring class.

"Certain customs, which seem perfectly natural to Japan would offend
those belonging to the western world, just as our Nippon prejudices would
find themselves ill at ease among certain habits customary among
Europeans."

"Common sense," he continues, "takes good care not to assail violently
those beliefs which tradition has transmuted into principles.

"However, if direct criticism of those beliefs causes common sense to be
regarded unfavorably, it will be welcomed with the greatest reserve and
will maintain a certain prudence relative to this criticism, which will
be equivalent to a proffered reproach.

"Common sense often varies as to external aspects, dependent upon
education, for it is evident that a diamio (Japanese prince) can not
judge of a subject in the same way as would a man belonging to the lowest
class of society.

"The same object can become desirable or undesirable according to the
rank it occupies.

"Must one believe that common sense is excluded from two such
incompatible opinions?

"No, not at all. An idea can be rejected or accepted by common sense
without violating the prin