By
a magic of which he knew nothing that idea had been annihilated,
temporarily, if not for ever, and the immediate consequence had been the
cessation of all interest and of all desire for individual action.
The suspension of all anxiety, restlessness and mental suffering had
benefited the physical man though it had reduced the intelligence to a
state bordering upon total apathy.
But organisations, mental or physical, of great natural strength, are
never reduced to weakness by a period of inactivity. It is those minds
and bodies which have been artificially developed by a long course of
training to a degree of power they were never intended to possess, which
lose that force almost immediately in idleness. The really very strong
man has no need of constant gymnastic exercise; he will be stronger than
other men whatever he does. The strong character needs not be constantly
struggling against terrible odds in the most difficult situations in
order to be sure of its own solidity, nor must the deep intellect be
ever plodding through the mazes of intricate theories and problems that
it may feel itself superior to minds of less compass. There is much
natural inborn strength of body and mind in the world, and on the whole
those who possess either accomplish more than those in whom either is
the result of long and well-regulated training.
The belief in a great cruelty and a greater injustice roused the man who
throughout so many days had lived in calm indifference to every aspect
of the humanity around him.
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