Page:Tolstoy - Pamphlets.djvu/164

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THOUGHTS ON GOD
23

and the whole universe. And they have no meaning. And consequently, from such a conception, there may proceed very many interesting and amusing considerations ; but, notwithstanding all efforts to the contrary, nothing necessary for guidance in life. Whereas, according to the latter conception, the life of man and of the whole universe acquires a definite, rational meaning, which has the most direct, simple, and universally accessible adaptability to life, at the same time not excluding the possibility of scientific investigations; which, in this case, are put in their proper place.

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To-day, science investigates the universe "behind time," from the pagan standpoint; endeavouring to conquer it by power for man's personal or social welfare ; whereas the religion of our day has for long been demanding another relation: the study of the universe from the standpoint of personal subjugation to the higher Will.

And it is this science, in its object two thousand years behind time, which wishes to determine the basis of morality !

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One of the superstitions that most confuse our metaphysical conceptions is the superstition that the world was