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THE DAWN OF DAY

371

The evil in strength.—Violence, as the outcome of passion—of rage, for instance is psychologically to be understood as an attempt to prevent an imminent fit of suffocation. Innumerable deeds of insolence, vented on others, have acted as so many outlets for a sudden congestion by a vigorous muscular exertion; and perchance the "evil in strength" may be looked upon from this point of view. (The evil in strength wounds others quite unintentionally—it has to find an outlet; the evil in weakness wishes to wound and to see signs of suffering.)

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To the credit of the connoisseur.—As soon as somebody poses as judge, although he be no connoisseur, we ought forthwith to remonstrate, be he man or woman. Enthusiasm or delight in a thing or a human being are no arguments, neither are grudge and hatred against them.

373

Ambiguous blame.—"He has no knowledge of mankind" means on the lips of some, "He does not know what corruption is"; on those of others, "He does not know the exception, but knows only too well what corruption means."

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Value of sacrifice.—The more the rights of states and princes are called in question as to the sacrifice of the