an the one before. We stand at the
nearer end of the scale, the Far Orientals at the other. If with us the
I seems to be of the very essence of the soul, then the soul of the Far
East may be said to be Impersonality.

Curious as this characteristic is as a fact, it is even more interesting
as a factor. For what it betokens of these peoples in particular may
suggest much about man generally. It may mark a stride in theory, if a
standstill in practice. Possibly it may help us to some understanding
of ourselves. Not that it promises much aid to vexed metaphysical
questions, but as a study in sociology it may not prove so vain.

And for a thing which is always with us, its discussion may be said to
be peculiarly opportune just now. For it lies at the bottom of the most
pressing questions of the day. Of the two great problems that stare the
Western world in the face at the present moment, both turn to it for
solution. Agnosticism, the foreboding silence of those who think,
socialism, communism, and nihilism, the petulant cry of those who do
not, alike depend ultimately for the right to be upon the truth or the
falsity of the sense of self.

For if there be no such actual thing as individuality, if the feeling
we call by that name be naught but the transient illusion the Buddhists
would have us believe it, any faith founded upon it as basis vanishes as
does the picture in a revolving kaleidoscope,--less enduring even than
the flitting phantasmagoria of a dream. If the ego be but the passing
shadow of the material brain, at the disintegration of the gray matter
what will become of us? Shall we simply lapse into an indistinguishable
part of the vast universe that compasses us round? At the thought we
seem to stand straining our gaze, on the shore of the great sea of
knowledge, only to watch the fog roll in, and hide from our view even
those headlands of hope that, like beseeching hands, stretch out into
the deep.

So more materially. If individuality be a delusion of the mind, what
motive potent enough to excite endeavor in the breast of an ordinary
mortal remains? Philosophers, indeed, might still work for the
advancement of mankind, but mankind itself would not continue long to
labor energetically for what should profit only the common weal. Take
away the stimulus of individuality, and action is paralyzed at once.
For with most men the promptings of personal advantage only afford
sufficient incentive to effort. Destroy th