Excerpt from The Christian Remembrancer, Vol. 12
It is a true, though trite, remark, that the influence of philosophical speculations on the actions and characters of the mass, must be looked for in the age succeeding that which witnessed then first promulgation. The animating spirit spreads slowly, though surely, over the dull, inert matter on which it is directed; and the actions of the sons supply the proper commentary to the studies of the fathers. The observation has been generally made with reference to the theories of moral philosophy; and to them, of course, as more directly conversant with the springs of action, it more particularly applies. It may, however, be extended to the physical sciences; for in these, too, the views which have been elicited by the esoteric controversies of the philosophers of one generation, become, in the next, the common property of the multitude: and so far forth as opinions concerning the world which we inhabit, and the laws which govern it, can influence manners, or direct practice, they become elements of the general character. Such views, when once fairly established in the popular mind, appear so obvious and simple, as to challenge for themselves almost an axiomatic dignity, and to claim, as it were, a scat within the very framework of the mind itself; yet it is commonly with much of toil and difficulty, feebly and gradually emerging from the mists of stubborn prejudices and formless fancies, that they have won their way to this station of undisputed eminence. While the conflict is raging, few can venture to predict on which side victory will at length declare; when it is over, we wonder that any could have ever doubted. Shadowy forms and ill-defined theories flit around; potent arguments rise up with obstinate pertinacity in our path: we listen to the 'unmingling shout' of controversy till our head is weary and our ears are deafened.
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