The Washington herald., 1916-02-13
Authority.
ny JOHN ID. uNRRy.

at the difference IN the work of the old masters OF
different periods. The master of one period and
his followers would paint in one style, and the
master of another period and his followers would
paint in another style. The difference made me
think about authority. Each master the au-
thorty Of his day. His opinions on art were law.
They stood for orthodoxy and for culture, the
highest expression in art of the time. Those who
did not agree were the outsiders. Many people
who did not understand either accepted the mas
ters dctation pretended to accept it. Then some
other fellow would come along and, with another
set of ideas, would establish the authority,
together with the same tyranny"
Those remarks started me a train OF thought.
Not only in art, but in science, in literature, in all
the departments of liic may be found similar
ditions. There are always those who establish
themselves in authority. Their word is law. Those
who disagree subjects for contempt pity.
| often think with amusement Of ex-
perience l once had with group of French and
English and American painters in a small village
of Normandy Like most painters, they loved their
work They were enthusiasts. Most OF them had
been attracted this village by the presence there
OF a celebrated impressionist. So most Of them
were impressionists. Those who did not believe in
imprcssonism they were inclined to regard either
as enemies poor. ignorant creatures. When
ever opinion relating to art presented by
who did not sympathze with their views they
would administer severe punishment.
On occasion, at dinner, travelling English
man vcntured to praise certain picture that had
been exhibited in the recent Salon in Paris, by a
celebrated painter.
When, in his innocence he had expatated upon
its beauties. one of the impressionsts fixed re-
proving eye on him and said
"You really liked that picture did you?'
The Englishman looked little astonished.
Certainly" he said, with flash. suggesting that
he offended at having his words doubted.
Then God help you!" said the imprcssionist
In this matter OF opinion all do good deal
OF plying. And most Of such pity is not only un-
necessary, but harmful as we'll. 1t reflects dis
credit, not on those we pity but on ourselves.
know people who become furious for the
from their own. They would be rcsentful if they
knew that the others felt in exactly the same way
toward them.
pcct to find more breadth of mind, the
same tendencies at work. There are scientific men
who feel intense hatred for other scientific men
simply and solely account OF difference in opn-
ion. They will go to the extreme of lying
about one another's opinions in order to enhance
the apparent superiority OF their opinions.
And yet those men know just you and
know, that science is continually contradicting it
self that the discovery OF today may be modified
or wholly denied or made absurd by the discovery
OF tomorrow.
1t is among the religious that have the most
right to expect breadth Of view For in itself re-
ligion is breadth
We may forgive much to human weakness and
to enthusiasm for the of art, literature,
science. But surely, religion would not ask for
any such tolerance 1t is in itself bulwark against
human weakness. Its teachings essentially
founded on love and self-forgetfuness.
Yet what do find when go among people
who take special pride in their religious belief,
We find that as a rule they intoerant.
Though they profess to believe there is but one
God, they make gods of themselves.
And the gods they make cruel gods.