It is a fine book--a classic--and Geneva may be proud of a
piece of work which shows such high cultivation and so much solid
wisdom. Here we have the true Genevese literature, the central tradition
of the country.
_Later_.--I have finished the third volume of Madame Necker. The
elevation and delicacy, the sense and seriousness, the beauty and
perfection of the whole are astonishing. A few harshnesses or
inaccuracies of language do not matter. I feel for the author a respect
mingled with emotion. How rare it is to find a book in which everything
is sincere and everything is true!
June 26, 1880.--Democracy exists; it is mere loss of time to dwell upon
its absurdities and defects. Every _regime_ has its weaknesses, and this
_regime_ is a lesser evil than others. On things its effect is
unfavorable, but on the other hand men profit by it, for it develops the
individual by obliging every one to take interest in a multitude of
questions. It makes bad work, but it produces citizens. This is its
excuse, and a more than tolerable one; in the eyes of the
philanthropist, indeed, it is a serious title to respect, for, after
all, social institutions are made for man, and not _vice versa_.
June 27, 1880.--I paid a visit to my friends--, and we resumed the
conversation of yesterday.
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