Allan Kardec-THE Spirit's Book_ The Principles of Spiritist Doctrine (1989)

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THE SPIRITS’ BOOK
you must not lose sight of the fact that there are persons whose interest is to combat this
belief, some from self-conceit, others from worldly considerations; but its opponents, finding
themselves in a decreasing minority, will at length be obliged to rally to the general opinion,
on pain of rendering themselves ridiculous."
Ideas are only transformed in the long run, never suddenly. Erroneous ideas become weakened in the
course of successive generations, and finish by disappearing, little by little, with those who professed
them, and who are replaced by other individuals imbued with new ideas, as is the case in regard to
political principles. Look at paganism: there is certainly no one, in our day, who professes the religious
ideas of pagan times; and yet, for several centuries after the advent of Christianity, they left traces that
could only be effaced by the complete renovation of the races who held them. It will be the same with
Spiritism; it will make considerable progress, but there will remain, during two or three generations, a
leaven of incredulity that only time will be able to destroy. Nevertheless, its progress will be more rapid
than that of Christianity, because it is Christianity itself that opens the road for it. and furnishes its basis
and support. Christianity had to destroy; Spiritism has only to build up.
799. In what way can Spiritism contribute to progress?
"By destroying materialism, which is one of the sores of society, and thus making men
understand where their true interest lies. The future life being no longer veiled by doubt, men
will understand more clearly that they can insure the happiness of their future by their action
in the present life. By destroying the prejudices of sects, castes, and colours, it teaches men
the large solidarity that will, one day, unite them as brothers."
800. Is it not to be feared that Spiritism may fail to triumph over the carelessness of men and
their attachment to material things?
"To suppose that any cause could transform mankind as by enchantment would show a very
superficial knowledge of human nature. Ideas are modified little by little, according to the
differences of individual character, and several generations are needed for the complete
effacing of old habits. The transformation of mankind can therefore only be effected in the
course of time, gradually, and by the contagion of example. With each new generation, a part
of the veil is melted away; Spiritism is come to dissipate it entirely. But, meantime, if it
should do no more than cure a man of a single defect, it would have led him to take a step
forward, and would thus have done him great good, for the taking of this first step will render
all his subsequent steps easier.”
801. Why have not spirits taught, from the earliest times, what they are teaching at the
present day?