VI
THE ORIENTAL HERITAGE
SLOWLY but eagerly, like a child, the
Orient is moving towards an object
of irresistible attraction. Nay, modern
thought is gradually lifting it from the
depths of hebetude and pious contentment
up to the heights of progress and unrest.
But whether progress will eventually overcome
its unrest or unrest will soon or late
disenchant it with progress, remains to be
seen.
One thing, however, is certain. The Orient can not keep up with the modern pace of science. Swathed in cant, saturated with tradition, given to abstractions, lulled in magnifications of speech and thought, the Oriental mind can not grasp the infinity of detail as well as the scope of scientific vision. The grafting of modern ideas upon it may prove, in certain instances, the contrary; but the elements hostile to its growth and development, though not visible always on the surface, are as vital, as potent in the liberal thinkers,
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