PDF version - Geae

side of life. Life is not a frivolous comedy, but often a poignant tragedy. It is the struggle for the conquest of
spiritual life, and in this struggle we must employ all that is great within us – patience – firmness – heroism –
resignation. Those old allegories of Prometheus and the Argonauts, and the sacred mysteries of the Orient, had
no other meaning. A profound instinct makes us admire those whose existence is a perpetual combat with
sorrow, a constant effort to climb the abrupt heights which lead to virgin summits and unviolated treasures.
We do not admire only heroism which brings forth the enthusiasm of crowds but also that which strives in
obscurity against privations, maladies, and miseries, all that detaches souls from material ties and transitory
things.
They strengthen the character for the combat of life – develop force and resistance – take from the soul
all that weakens it – elevate the ideal to the pinnacle of force and grandeur. This is what education should
adopt for the essential objective.
Let us open our souls to the breath of space, and lift ourselves to the limitless future. This future
belongs to us! Our task is to conquer it. O living soul of France! Evoke the great memories, the high thoughts,
the sublime inspirations of your genius! From the social fermentation will come forth another life, purer and
more beautiful. Under the influx of new ideas France will find again her faith and her confidence. She will
arise greater and stronger to accomplish her work in the world. For her genius is not dead! It sleeps, but
tomorrow it will awaken!
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