Of course the intellectual assumption which makes his system untenable by the thinker of our time is： that we possess a knowledge of the absolute。 Noble is the belief that by exercise of his reason a man may enter into munion with that Rational Essence which is the soul of the world； but precisely because of our inability to find within ourselves any such sure and certain guidance do we of to…day accept the barren doom of scepticism。 Otherwise； the Stoic's sense of man's subordination in the universal scheme； and of the all…ruling destiny； brings him into touch with our own philosophical views； and his doctrine concerning the 〃sociable〃 nature of man； of the reciprocal obligations which exist between all who live； are entirely congenial to the better spirit of our day。 His fatalism is not mere resignation； one has not only to accept one's lot； whatever it is； as inevitable； but to accept it with joy； with praises。 Why are we here？ For the same reason that has brought about the existence of a horse； or of a vine； to play the part allotted to us by Nature。 As it is within our power to understand the order of things； so are we capable of guiding ourselves in accordance therewith； the will； powerless over circumstance； is free to determine the habits of the soul。 The first duty is self…discipline； its correspondent first privilege is an inborn knowledge of the law of life。
But we are fronted by that persistent questioner who will accept no a priori assumption； however noble in its character and beneficent in its tendency。 How do we know that the reason of the Stoic is at harmony with the world's law？ I； perhaps； may see life from a very different point of view； to me reason may dictate； not self…subdual； but self…indulgence； I may find in the free exercise of all