known revolt against the privilege of wealth （can I not remember spots in London where I have stood； savage with misery； looking at the prosperous folk who passed？）； but I could never feel myself at one with the native poor among whom I dwelt。 And for the simplest reason； I came to know them too well。 He who cultivates his enthusiasm amid graces and forts may nourish an illusion with regard to the world below him all his life long； and I do not deny that he may be the better for it； for me； no illusion was possible。 I knew the poor； and I knew that their aims were not mine。 I knew that the kind of life （such a modest life！） which I should have accepted as little short of the ideal； would have been to them……if they could have been made to understand it……a weariness and a contempt。 To ally myself with them against the 〃upper world〃 would have been mere dishonesty； or sheer despair。 What they at heart desired； was to me barren； what I coveted； was to them for ever inprehensible。
That my own aim indicated an ideal which is the best for all to pursue； I am far from maintaining。 It may be so； or not； I have long known the idleness of advocating reform on a basis of personal predilection。 Enough to set my own thoughts in order； without seeking to devise a new economy for the world。 But it is much to see clearly from one's point of view； and therein the evil days I have treasured are of no little help to me。 If my knowledge be only subjective； why； it only concerns myself； I preach to no one。 Upon another man； of origin and education like to mine； a like experience of hardship might have a totally different effect； he might identify himself with the poor； burn to the end of his life with the noblest humanitarianism。 I should no further criticize him than to say that