Jain Philosophy

Author(s): Virchand R Gandhi
Publisher: Agamoday Samiti

Page 14

PREFACE.
O F
1st Edition 1910.
Ce n'est que la premier pas qui coute as the French have it. It is the first step that is difficult-that taken the rest follows swimmingly. But very few people can have any idea as to how difficult the "first step" is in an undertaking like the present-particularly in India. In spite of the progress that has undoubtedly been made in various directions under the ages of the Pax Britannica it is a fact that our people-even our educated peoplehave not yet developed the faculty of perspective. We have not yet learnt to look beyond to day. A great man delivers an address on an important subject, it is listened to by large audiences, just noticed in the ephemeral columns of the Press and-well, forgotton the next day; at any rate neglected, no steps being taken to embody it in a permanent form. One of the most elevating and instructive portions of Engligh literature is the record it possesses of the "noble thoughts of noble minds." Humanity, which is only a synonym for Vanity, thinks of perpetuating itself by the help of "presentments" manufactured with the help of science.