The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-07-28
A school Of Philosophy.


A School Of Philosophy.
The Concord School OF Philosophy COM
menced its regular summer session at ooh-
cord. Mass, a few days ago. The news
paper reports OF the discussions that nave
come under our observation so far are very
unsatisfactory, and the editorial comment
upon them has for the most part had 4
satirical tendency. We have noticed that
in the South particularly there has been
disposition to make game OF these meet
ings-the idea being very prevalent that
the school is simply hot-bed OF transcen.
dentalisnl-a veritable Pandora-boX, from
which all sorts Of isms and scisms
are annually let loose. This is 4 grave
mistake, and one that does not reflect
any credit upon our powers OF discrimina-
ton. 1t Is true that the Observation-Disclosures
and several men whose ideas are particu-
larly obnoxious to the South have figured
prominently at some Of the past sessions,
and IL is true that the educated mind OF
New England is more inclined TO tran
ton Of the country; but it is not true that
the majority OF the school represent the
"vague and Elusive and false in philoso-
ply," which is the common acceptation OF
the term transcendentalism. In our COM
ments we have been too prone to Judge
the whole by part. Among the members
of the school are q number OF the lead
ing professors Of some Of the greatest insti-
tutions of learning Of the North, and seye-
raj of the discussions OF previous sessions
we now recall have had an eminently
practical bearing upon vital questions OF
the day-questions OF science, religion,
and sociology. The results, as whole,
we believe, have been largely in the inter-
est Of truth, and 1t is certain that they have
attracted the respectful consideration Of
advanced thinkers abroad.
We have no sympathy with the transcen-
dental element alluded to, but because that
exists we should not lose sight OF the sug-
pestion the school, as n whole, affords us.
One great reason the South has not been
more successful i'm making an impression
upon the intellectual mind OF the world is
To be found, as we have intimated on {
former occasion, in the lack OF con-
cert among her educated men. As {
rule. our professional men and those
OF us in private life who have haC
the advantage OF college or uniyer
si:y course are as well educated an(
Ilxs xyinAFnrIs
classes elsewhere, but we need Oh
stimulus OF mental friction--the incentiv
to mental work and original Investigation
that invariably arises from the contact O
mind with mind. All over the State ther
are divines, educators, lawyers, and pr
waite citizens who are literally hiding thei
light under Il bushel, and whose affair
ments are only known TO those immediat,
ly around them. Yet these men are anon
the first to complain when any reflectio
Is made upon the intellectual progress (
the South.
Speaking for Virginia, we can say tn
there Is nothing she stands in greater nee
Of than m organization somewhat after Il
character OF the one under discussion.
makes no difference what II is called, so
brings the educated and the thoughtful {
cether and affords them an opportunity I
securing the recognition from the int
lectual world they are entitled TO.
view OF the questions affecting societ
education, and religion that are arisil
every day, 1t Is the duty OF our ed
Gated men 10 enter actively and prom
nently into their discussion. IL they h
done so before, the South, it is Just to 50
would now, we believe, be much bett
understood, not only at the North b
abroad, where northern ideas are ordinar
accepted as the ideas OF both sections al
northern criticism has generally stood u
challenged. BY our failure TO profit
the example Of our northern brethren
have allowed them to speak for us, ~
consequently Il good deal Of the misrepl
7 sentatiOn we have had TO suffer is due
ourselves alone. We hope that o
educated men viii take these trut
to heart, no matter how unpalatal
they may be. The longer action
delayed the more difficult it will be
eradicate the false impressions that have O
tanned regarding our intellectual progre,
II Is the experience Of the world that I
way 10 secure recognition In this matter
not 10 sue for II but to force Il, and conc,
Is the great element Of force to be el
plQyed.
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