New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-04-14
AUGUSTA COMTE.


SOLUTIONS.
iYpoM ruE REGULAR CORRESPONDENT OF TIE TRIBusE'l |
LONDON. March 31.-kt the first page which cut |
omen OF a new book that came to me this week l |
read not without alarm, the following:
From taste and for good reasons live extremely iso
lated from the common world the intellectual
world knowing other haitusl distraction than to roll
low the Italian oper. asdnonsy dSins sS
augmented that Isolation by ahstaning setupnlousiy
from the reading OF oil Journals % hog at }rc,n
this system OF mental hygiene o change 10 now consid
rnr General S Views and TO mninan them as well
adopt more pure and impartial sentiments
HIsM Auguste Comte who says this, in n letter
to John Stuart Mill, dated Goth November, 1871
the first of collection published paris, Ernest
Leronx) extending from Sal TO 1916; profoundly
interesting book, though likely to be much less
popular than some of the newspapers which its Ia
mcnted author would not read. His abstentiou, he
adds is not due to any indifference to the influence
of his own labors il is regime which he believes
necessary TO the fullncss of his philosophical le
Elsewhere he refers to the same subject; and bis
views arc of kind TO give rise to reflection on the
probable result of all this modern newspaper and
magazine reading albeit not for the first time. Nj.
Comte is by no means The only thinker who has
SHRINK from the influence Of the enormous mass OF
periodical literature which every day and week and
month now bring forth. There is n remark of En-
TO the eject lndl III VIC SINt w
speare or Bacon the time give to mere newspaper
rcadlng-but who dare suggest such thingf 1t was
only the other day was discussing the other side of
tbe sntioct-the writing and making of newspa-
pers-wth a man of singular abilities and accom-
plishments, who has himself been journalist,
and who still maintains close connec-
ton with periodical literature. think jour
naiisn," he said, "a very good thing, pro-
vided you get ont Of it soon enough He added
that he thought IT. even as permanent profession,
far preferable to the Law Perhaps Burke's we'll
known remark about the Law might be applied,
though with some notifications. to journalism. SO
might piece of advice which Mr.. Emerson once
gave to young lawyer Read Plato it will keep
vour mind open" The meaning of NJ. Comics aus
terity is plain enough. A man who was creating
new philosophy could not afford to have his energies
frttcred away on everyday affairs 1t is not jour
palism nor the reading OF journals, alone, against
which he closes his mind lie will have nothing to do
with any form of active life, save what IS necessary
for earning his livelihood or for some special OBJ
iect not too remote from his general studies, or IN
case Of need. serving as an intellectual Alternative
NJ. Comte expresses to Mr. Mill the satisfaction
with which he had heard of his resistance to the
blind opportunities of his friends to adopt Par
Hamenfary carver The same idea is dominant
4bere: he feels that for Mr.. Mil az for
himself philosophical activity must be lni-
nitely more fruitful by keeping aloof from
the too unstable point of view of PaIlia-
nentary criticism 4" which tends directly to hinder
the regular adoption of general point OF view, at
moment when general conceptions are precisely the
most messing social need" Rational as your
solve is" continues NJ. COmte, it is so contrary TO
the prevailing habits, where everything urges
man to immediate action, that it implies an accu-
racy of sense and courage which ] sincerely
congratulate you; hoping. / do, that human
progress to-day so independent of these cinpty
muImurs of the tribune will derive from 1t a solid
advantage"
Mr.. Mil as Won know took different view then
md afterward. We find NJ. COmtc, in Il subsequent
letter, while thanking him for his frank cXplGna-
ton of his notions about Parliamentary life, asking
in his polite French way, to be permitted not to bc
entirely of his opinion on that matter and con
graduating himself in the interests Of the great
cause Of humanity. that Mr.. Mlls personal position
imposcs on him less direct and more general ac-
tiyity. Perhaps" adds VI. Comtc with not I'M
pleasing confidence in the efficacy of his own teach
ing "the perusal Of my sixth volume will modify
your opinions that point for in that volume have
shown how far philosophical action must to-day
supersede political action, properly so called,
throughout all Western Europe, now more or less
openly struggling with the problem of social re-
generation Not that everybody is to ahan-
meditation. g. am far certainly, from con-
demninC political activity in itself, but |
believe that really superior minds should leave 1t
heuceforth to those of lesser powers of which there
will assuredy be want for such purposes and re-
serve themselves for that philosophical elaboration OF
which they alone are capable, and on which now
depends the progress Of final regeneration III the bet
ter part of the human race" MIR. Mill, occupied
then as at a later day with social reforms had de-
clared the House Of Commons TO be the only place
from which one could be sure of getting hearing.
BE that as it may replies NJ. Comte, the advantage
is outweighed from an intellectual point Of view,
bv the inevitable tendency Of Parliamentary activity
to dwarf by slow degrees those superior men who
give themselves up 10 it diycring them from tie
fsprf GensenbIe which alone can be decisive to-day,
aud employing their minds about varying details.
In respect to morals also, the character Of free
thinkers must undergo deterioration from the nyol-
untary concessions which tins practical life conpes
them TO make to that same old order of things
which they are striving to make new.
Again, may supply a commentary on NJ. Comte's
doctrine from recent remark the present pur
pose of man not unworthy to be named with Mr..
Mil. as Nj NH was at Mr. Morleys age His friend
thought as NJ. Comte thought in Mills case, that
Parliament for a man of his powers was = mistake.
but for slightly different reason; that all the
great questions arc now settled outSide of PaTlia
ment certainly DO not translate these remarks of
NJ. Comte, repeat those of my English friends,
because suppose they will command the assent of
an American majority or Of large minority. Per-
haps they do not belong at all in a newspaper; but
in newspaper which has opened its columns
freely subjects of something than momentary
nj fleV ms uO+ spe al ularp