How to be happy though human / by W. Béran Wolfe.
64/400
- Publication/creation
- London : George Routledge, 1932.
- Physical description
- xiv, 374 pages ; 22 cm
- Contributors
- Wolfe, W. Béran 1900-1935.
- Notes
-
This edition was reprinted in 1933, 1934, 1935, 1937, 1942, 1944, 1945, 1946 and 1948.
Copy 1 Note: 1937 reprint. X158203
- Attribution and usage
-
Wellcome Collection
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The image contains the following text:
spurious elation of intoxication or the quiet elysium of
morphine dreams when faced with the bald realities of
existence. Alcohol and morphine are crutches for
pessimistic disconsolates who feel inadequate to the task
of living. The tramp evades the challenge of work,
wandering aimlessly in his infantile fear of having to
contribute to the commonweal ; the spiritualist, the
theosophist, the Christian Scientist, and other religious
fanatics demonstrate their gnawing sense of inferiority
by projecting their interests on an unknown and uncharted
world. No well-adjusted, contributing member of
human society needs the solace of a “ second chance ”
in a world of ghosts, fantasies, ectoplasm or nirvana,
for the reason that life showers its rich satisfactions upon
him with a lavish hand. The psychological examination
of religious faddists, of philosophical nihilists, pessimists,
and fatalists the world over, reveals that the basic fallacy
of their lives lies in their frantic flight from reality.
Existence on this crust of earth may be likened to the
operation of a slot machine : those who contribute their
penny are rewarded by their bit of chocolate, and the
satisfaction of a fair return on their investment. This
simple relationship remains an ineluctable mystery to the
individual burdened with the inferiority complex. He
stands before the slot machine whining for a second
chance in a future world ; he curses the slot machine,
or he boasts that he is too good for it ; he parades vainly
before the mirror, or gnashes his teeth in rage and
vituperation ; he covers himself with ashes, or bleats
his remorse and guilt ; he protests that the slot machine
does not really exist, or deprecates the quality of the
chocolate ; he blames God, the perfidy of woman, the
weakness of his flesh, the bolsheviks, his lack of education,
or the malice of his parents : so long as he does not
contribute his penny, he cannot gain his bit of chocolate !
What is to be done with the inferiority complex ?
What are its causes, and can it be cured ? Can human
nature be changed ? Can the timid be made courageous,
can the criminal be transformed into a philanthropist,