Such questions as these I am going to try to answer in the simplest language possible. I would avoid long words altogether, if I could; but some of these long words mean certain definite things, and there are no other words to serve the purpose. You do not refuse to engage in the automobile business because the carburetor and the differential are words of four syllables. Neither should you refuse to get yourself straight with the universe because it is too much trouble to go to the dictionary and learn that the word "phenomenon" means something else than a little boy who can play the piano or do long division in his head.
CONTENTS
PART ONE: THE BOOK OF THE MIND
PAGE
CHAPTER I. THE NATURE OF LIFE 3
Attempts to show what we know about life; to set the bounds of real truth as distinguished from phrases and self-deception.
CHAPTER II. THE NATURE OF FAITH 8
Attempts to show what we can prove by our reason, and what we know intuitively; what is implied in the process of thinking, and without which no thought could be.
CHAPTER III. THE USE OF REASON 12
Attempts to show that in the field to which reason applies we are compelled to use it, and are justified in trusting it.
CHAPTER IV. THE ORIGIN OF MORALITY 17
Compares the ways of Nature with human morality, and tries to show how the latter came to be.
CHAPTER V. NATURE AND MAN 21
Attempts to show how man has taken control of Nature, and is carrying on her processes and improving upon them.