New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-09-16
Gorky. Rolland
Letters
TINE "Avanti." an Italian Socialist
newspaper, recently published the

newspaper, ICScitiy Puplishcu VIC
following correspondence between
Maxim Gorky, the great Russian writer,
and Roman Reliant. the famous French
man. Both, as 1t happens, are Socialists
end pacifsts. Gorky has been planning
r book for boys, which was 10 consist Of
the biographies Of the worlds great men,
He asked his friend ROLAND to write for
him the biography of Beethoven.
"You know" (Gorky wrote to Rolland)
that IN our days nothing needs more our
attention than childhood. We adults, who
shall soon have to leave this life are trans
hitting to our children a very poor legacy;
we introduce them to a rather sad life. This
stupid war is a clear proof Of our moral de-
bility and of the deterioration Of our cult
ure. Let US impress upon our children that
men have rot always been such weaklngs
and so wicaed as we-alas!-are. Let us
remind them that even to-day all the ma
tions possess within their ranks men of
noble thoughts. 1t is especially in days Of
savagery and bestiality like the present that
a work of this kind is most necessary for our
children"
Roman accepts the request of Gorky
and suggests that Socrates and Francis
d'Assisi be included among the biographies.
There is one point, however, on which he
dlsagrees with the great Russian author:
"The selection Of certain great men you
have pointed out in your letter writes Rol-
land alarms me somewhat when ! consider
that they are to sc. - as food for the minds
of oh int. top nj hafn
terrible examples for imitation. | am re-
ferring especially to Moses. | notice you are
aiming chiefly at moral energy, which is the
focal point Of all enlightenment. But it is
not matter Of indifference whether this re-
volt is directed against the future or the
past In fact, moral energy is not lacking
to-day; on the contrary, it is abundant; but
it is placed at the service of an ideal of the
past which Is oppressive and dangerous.
confess that the great men OF the past have
become very remote to me examples Of
life; for the most part, they have deluded
me; admire them esthetically, but do not
know what to think Of their intolerance and
their too frequent fanaticism; many of the
gods whom they served have become to-day
very dangerous idols. If humanity is unabl.
to surpass their ideals and open wider
horizons for future generations, fear it will
fail in its higher destination. In a word,
love and admire the past, but desire the
future to surpass it. That can take place,
and must take place"
And Maxim Gorky replied:
"Petrograd, March 1921, 1917.
IL am Fastening to answer you, dear Ro-
main ROLAND. Tho book about Beethoven
should be for the youth between the ages Of
thirteen and eighteen. 1t ought to be an
objective and interesting account of the life
of genius, of the evolution Of his soul, of
the principal events OF hi. life, of the suf-
ferings which he had TO overcome and the
glory with which he was ultimately crowned.
Our age ought to be for the youth an age
Of inspiration with love and faith in life
as men We must learn to be heroic.
Closing his letter, Gorky said:
ut is a great comfort to me to know that
In some place on the earth, although far,
there lives q man whose spirit is oppressed
by the same sufferings as mine, q man who
loves all that is dear to me. One feels so
fortunate to know that in days Of violence
and folly. I warmly press your hand. dear
friend. "MAXIM G0RKY.
up. S.-The events Of these days in Russia
have caused delay in my letter. Let us re-
ioice, Roman ROLAND, let US rejoice with
all our might. for Russia has ceased to be
the source of reaction in Europe. The Rus
sian people has espoused the cause of lib
erty, and hope that this great event will
give life to many great souls for the glory
Of humanity1