The more plainly in these matters
our evidence seems to speak, the more carefully must we refrain from
unqualified assumptions and rash generalizations.
This remark is especially true with regard to our judgement on
questions of morality. It may be possible to indicate many contrasts
and shades of difference among different nations, but to strike the
balance of the whole is not given to human insight. The ultimate truth
with respect to the character, the conscience, and the guilt of a
people remains for ever a secret; if only for the reason that its
defects have another side, where they reappear as peculiarities or even
as virtues. We must leave those who find pleasure in passing sweeping
censures on whole nations, to do so as they like. The people of Europe
can maltreat, but happily not judge one another. A great nation,
interwoven by its civilization, its achievements, and its fortunes with
the whole life of the modern world, can afford to ignore both its
advocates and its accusers. It lives on with or without the approval of
theorists.
Accordingly, what here follows is no judgement, but rather a string of
marginal notes, suggested by a study of the Italian Renaissance
extending over some years. The value to be attached to them is all the
more qualified as they mostly touch on the life of the upper classes,
with respect to which we are far better informed in Italy than in any
other country in Europe at that period.
Pages:
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
479
480
481
482
483
484
485