ABSTRACT
The doctrine of non-violence is an idealistic doctrine which, as far as I can see, may help the war-mongers, but, in existing conditions, cannot possibly advance the cause of peace. I call it a doctrine of despair, because non-resistance is the last resort of both brave men and cowards when they are up against overwhelming odds, and when it is only an attitude that can distinguish the one from the other. 'Since all our efforts can only end in frustration,' the despairing pacifist seems to say: 'let us refrain from effort.' It is a gesture which, however finely performed, is not very different from the gesture of Ivan Karamazof 'returning the ticket,' or Pilate washing his hands. Needless to say, Mr. Huxley does not see it like this. He makes much of the 'realism' of his proposed methods of 'active' pacifism. But that the words 'realism' and 'active' are misapplied has not been, I think, difficult to show. 'Hell is paved,' says Mr. Huxley, 'not only with good intentions, but also with the most exquisite sensibilities, the noblest expressions of fine feeling, the profoundest insights into ethical truths.' Aldous Huxley's own sensibilities are so exquisite that, together with his great talent in writing, they have made him one of the prophets of our time-the Prophet of Disgust. He feels so keenly the discrepancy between the fact and the ideal that he seems like some miserable figure, standing with face averted from the ruin and filth that surround him; though every now and then, half in fascination, half in disgust, he directs an exceedingly sharp glance at what so much appalls him. Now it looks as though he is turning his back on us for ever. Looking away from us, he has a 'profound insight into ethical truth', and we are still stewing in the same juice. Might we venture to beg him to turn right about and risk looking contemporary humanity in the face? There would be much there to hate and much to be disgusted at, but there would also be something which, without any 'expressions of fine feeling', could be loved and supported.
