THE HARMONY OF VIRTUE

IX. 6. In the Society's Chambers465materialism. These are mere words to me. I know Truth only. IfTruth is mystic, I cannot help it. If, on the other hand, Truthturn out to be a rank materialist, a follower of Huxley and Haeckel,who am I to insist on spiritualising her? Let us have Truthas she is and not insist on creating her in our own image.The Practical Man: How is that to be done?Professor: By inquiry, by dispassionate, disinterested, calm,judicious, leisurely inquiry. Let us consider everything, acceptonly when acceptance is thoroughly justified, reject only whenwe must, and for God's sake let us not rush violently and enthusiasticallyto premature conclusions!The Practical Man (with levity): Why not establish a Societyfor the dispassionate discussion of everything discussable andthe quiet questioning of everything questionable? It might be styledbriefly S.D.D.D.Q.Q.Q. or, still better S.D 3 Q 3 , and, I believe,it would revolutionise knowledge.Professor: I have always served the Practical Man in spiteof his gross and numerous limitations. Why not? Let us at leasttry.Scientist (doubtfully): What would be the conditions of discussion?Professor: Put it like this. We agree to consider no questionclosed, not even gravitation, nor the motion of the earth, northe necessity and beneficence of the British Government.All (in chorus): The Press Act, Professor, the Press Act!Section 124A! Section 121! We shall be transported, we shallget forfeited!Professor (reluctantly, but obviously alarmed by the outcry)Well, well, we will reserve the question. There are plentyof others, there are plenty of others. To proceed. If the Mysticadvances sound arguments to show that the devil habitually swallowsthe moon, even that we shall not lightly declare impossible.What do we know about the tastes of the devil, supposinghe exists, or the eatability of the moon? I have never tasted it,nor has the Scientist. The Mystic and the devil may have.Scientist (uneasily): Confound it, Professor!Professor: No, I insist. Absolute tolerance, absolute opennessof mind are essential to the success of the experiment.