Word: imperfectability
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NATURE--Is one of those words in which the eloquence of lovers shines with success. Nothing is more persuasively employed than the appeals made to it, against the rigid prescriptions of duty. Thus, when a lover makes use of this trite argument: "Either nature is imperfect in itself, by giving us inclinations that the laws condemn, or the laws are justly accusable or too great severity, in condemning inclinations given us by nature", this profound sophistry means: "Since you have scruples, my game is to remove them. Reasin may give itself what airs it pleases; but if you love...
Another Story: "To greet this Cabinet [above], Asquith, Lloyd George and I went to Paris. . . . Asquith would not, Lloyd George could not, and I had to speak French. In French I know my vocabulary to be limited, my grammar to be imperfect, and my genders to be at the mercy of chance; further, I am told that my accent is atrocious.... When the Council was over. . .Lloyd George said to me: 'You know your French was the only French that I could understand...
...human race. Human morals are not dependent upon codes and creeds to any great extent. There is something much more fundamental in human nature which leads men to strive for the good, the beautiful, and the true. All codes have sprung from this human longing, and are but imperfect formulations of it. It is a great error to exalt a code, which is a result, not a cause of morality...
...seems to imply, the fault of the educators. All men are not born equal, nor is their training equal; lastly, they do not work equally hard. Each freshman admitted to college is certified usually only by the fact that he has met certain tests--imperfect, and restricted to the intellectual. A college can take care of only those who can and are willing to meet its standards. Those who do not have no chance to survive, for they are neither worthy nor fit. Waste there is, of course, but it is the waste which accompanies every human and natural institution...
...more introduction to the phenomena of Harvard College life is necessary. The institutions existing to serve this purpose are sadly inadequate or only tepidlx efficient in their sphere a few addresses and receptions a sheaf of formal official information an inaccessible Dean, a system of Senior advisers obviously imperfect. The need is urgent for some in situation which shall not make new demands on Freshman time, but which will disseminate a comprehensive mass of useful information, general and specific, to each man before he undertakes his Harvard career...