278 THE ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES OF THE PEACE CH.

time to reconsider our courses and to view theworld with new eyes. For the immediate futureevents are taking charge, and the near destiny ofEurope is no longer in the hands of any man.The events of the coming year will not be shapedby the deliberate acts of statesmen, but by thehidden currents, flowing continually beneath thesurface of political history, of which no one canpredict the outcome. In one way only can we in-fluence these hidden currents,—by setting in motionthose forces of instruction and imagination whichchange opinion. The assertion of truth, the un-veiling of illusion, the dissipation of hate, theenlargement and instruction of men's hearts andminds, must be the means.

In this autumn of 1919, in which I write, we areat the dead season of our fortunes. The reactionfrom the exertions, the fears, and the sufferings ofthe past five years is at its height. Our power offeeling or caring beyond the immediate questions ofour own material well-being is temporarily eclipsed.The greatest events outside our own direct ex-perience and the most dreadful anticipations cannotmove us.

In each human heart terror survivesThe ruin it has gorged : the loftiest fearAll that they would disdain to think were true :Hypocrisy and custom make their mindsThe fanes of many a worship, now outworn.They dare not devise good for man's estate,And yet they know not that they do not dare.