Last words of Thomas Carlyle - Warburg Institute

;WOTTON EEINFRED 73centuries of "perfectibility" are here still arguing?Do you know, sirs,' added he, in a lower tone, * thisdoctrine is the curse of Europe in our generationthe bane of all true greatness ;the root of sensuality,cruelty, and Atheism ? It was the creed of Komeunder Nero and Caligula, when the human raceseemed lost. Lost, thank God, it was not, and willnot be.'*But on what motive do we act then, or can weact virtuously ? 'said the atrabiliar, with impatience.'Possibly on no motive at all, in that sense of theword motive,' answered Dalbrook. * One of the wisestmen now living has told us, as applied to art, " Ofwhat is wrong we are always conscious ; of what isright, never." The virtue we are conscious of is noright virtue. But, come,' added he, * Williams issmiling incredulous, Frank is suspending me nasoadunco, our young friends are wearied.I move thatwe exchange our wine for coffee, and the thorns ofphilosophy for the roses of beauty.''One of the wisest things you have said,' criedWilliams.* Will you lead the way ? '