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

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THE SPIRITS’ BOOK
have tried to see something of it, but I have not been able to succeed in doing so;" and who do
not seem to be aware that half an hour's attention is not enough to make them acquainted with
a new field of study; 2d, Those who, although perfectly aware of the genuineness of the
phenomena, oppose the matter from interested motives. They know that Spiritism is true; but
being afraid of consequences, they attack it as an enemy. 3d, Those who dread the moral rules
of Spiritism as constituting too severe a censure of their acts and tendencies. A serious
admission of the truth of Spiritism would be in their way; they neither reject nor accept it, but
prefer to close their eyes in regard to it. The first class is swayed by pride and presumption;
the second by ambition; the third by selfishness. We should seek in vain for a fourth class of
antagonists, viz., that of opponents who, basing their opposition on a careful and
conscientious study of Spiritism, should bring forward positive and irrefutable evidence of its
falsity.
It would be hoping too much of human nature to imagine that it could be suddenly
transformed by spiritist ideas. The action of these undoubtedly is not the same, nor is it
equally powerful, in the case of all those by whom they are professed; but their result,
however slight it may be, is always beneficial, if only by proving the existence of an extracorporeal
world, and thus disproving the doctrines of materialism. This result follows from a
mere observation of the phenomena of Spiritism; but, among those who, comprehending its
philosophy, see in it something else than phenomena more or less curious, it produces other
effects. The first and most general of these is the development of the religious sentiment,
even in those who, without being materialists, are indifferent to spiritual things; and this
sentiment leads to contempt of death-we do not say to a desire for death, for the spiritist
would defend his life like anyone else, but to an indifference which causes him to accept
death, when inevitable, without murmuring and without regret, as something to be welcomed
rather than feared, owing to his certainty in regard to the state which follows it. The second
effect of spiritist convictions is resignation under the vicissitudes of life. Spiritism lead us to
consider everything from so elevated a point of view that the importance of terrestrial life is
proportionally diminished, and we are less painfully affected by its tribulations; we have
consequently more courage under affliction, more moderation in our desires, and also