ABSTRACT
The condition or mood of mind which renders such self-contradictions possible is not susceptible of any rational explanation, for it does not arise from reason. It can be rationalised, and brought into accordance with fact, in two ways only. One of these ways is that of persistent appeals to the reason which, however obscured, is present even in the persons themselves whom this mood mainly affects, and through their reason to their imagination. The other way, and the costlier way, is by the teaching of the results which must ensue if this irrational mood is carried to its logical consequences. It resides in a mood or temper which, in the way of obstinate though but half-recognised implications, retains what reason has altogether rejected. Socialists, indeed, in defending this mood, which protests against inequalities whereas sober reason asserts them, are compelled to call indirect reasoning, or reasoning by suggestion, to their aid.
