New-York tribune., 1901-05-05
THE DESIRE FOR IumoRrALIrr.

A proposed endeavor OF the Society for Psy-
chical Research to find out whether the wish for
future life is general and innate is outlined on
another page of The Tribune to-day. The idea
is novel and a little startling and is not without
its good points; yet il is doubtful whether that
which is avOwed the chief object OF the in
quiry is easily attainable. The investigation is
beset with difficulties which DR.. Hodgson.
American secretary of the society and author of
its circular. has probably foreseen 70 some
tent but which he may not fully realize.
When proper emphasis is laid on the difference
between belief and desire. the danger of con-
fusion is slight. 1t is not likely that many who
respond to the sOciety's questions Will make the
mistake Of reporting their expectations instead
of their wishes But even though this error be
avoided. the replies, especially those in the
affirmative. may still be susceptible of more than
a single Interpretation. Dissmar motives may
prompt the same response. One person may
long for future life in order to regain the COM
panionshp of those who have been particularly
dear. but have preceded him to the grave; an
other may crave relief from distressing mall
aides; third, perhaps is the victim OF real or
fancied wrongs which he hopes to see righted
hereafter; and n fourth hampered by the conse-
quences Of irreparable blunders. is anxious for
a chance, perhaps, to begin life over again. In
all of these cases the desire would be largely II
not entirely. the product of circumstances II
would not be independent innate and instructive.
The extent to which the latter kind of sentiment
exists is the ostensble purpose Of DR. HodgsOns
investigation. But there an absolutely
unanimous vote in the affirmative its signifi-
canoe would be exceedingly obscure
Again 1t is conceivable that in instances the
wish for endless existence might be the offspring
OF a vigorous physical vitality which impaired
a peculiar zest to life whereas a lack OF that
ambition might result from impaired health.
Would answers inspired by either Of these con-
ditions throw any light on the question whether
a desire for immortality is inherent in human
nature? Even II a wish for a future life should
prove 10 be far from universal the meaning of
the fact would not be easy 10 determine. Only
limited number Of people alive to the har-
monies of Beethoven Wagner and Liszt. Many
persons confess TO inability to tell Yankee
Doodle from old Hundred Does this lack of
universally in instructive appreciation of those
harmones show that they unreal? Would
the fact that some people experience wish for
n future life. while others do not, be less sig
niicant and prophetic?
Still whatever embarrassment may attend the
task OF rightly interpreting Dr. Hodgson's census
returns. the latter would not be without value.
II, for instance any notable proportion of the
replies in the negative. religious teachers
might profit by the discovery. Pulpit ministra-
tions which helpful to people who believe in
and wish for future life may not be equally
influential with those who do not. but who may
nevertheless be found in the pews. And it would
be worth considering whether new methods
might not properly be adopted in order to reach
that class more effectively than before.