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430
a algatang.
which would produce a better age than thut of Pericles.
In the same way it might be considered whether, as regards results, it would not be more advantageous to give the pubiic dowaries which upon certain occasions have to be distri buted, not, as is now customnry, to thə girls who are supposed to be the most virtuous, but to those who have most understanding and are the cleverest; especially as it is very difficult to judge as to virtue, for, as it is said, only God sees the heart. The opportunities for displaying à noble character are rare, and a matter of chance; besides, many a girl has a powerful support to her virtue in her plainness; on the other hand, as regards understanding, those who themselves are gifted with it can judge with great certainty after some examination. * the *
For all love, however ethereally it may bear itself, is rooted in the sexual impulse alone, nay, it absolutely is only a more definitely de. termined, specialised, and indeed in the strict est sense individualised sexual impulse.
If, now, keeping this in view one consi.. ders the important part which the sexual im. pulse in all its degrees and nuances plays not only on the stage and in novels, but also in the real world, where, next to the love of life, it shows itself the strongest and most powerful of motives, constantly lays claim to half the powers and thoughts of the younger portion of mankind, is the ultimate goal of almost all
