The Argosy — page 303: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

287 , OF SELF-SACRIFICE. ERHAPS there never existed a time when the spirit of self-sacrifice was so little amongst us as at present. It is a virtue not under- stood of men: so sparely practised that it seems—like many of the good old customs and fashions of our forefathers—to be dying out. Each for himself. Thus men argue: thus they act. In seeking a ‘reason, it may possibly be found—if, as some think, we have reached the beginning of the end—in the fulfilment of that prophecy which says that in the last days men shall run to and fro in the earth, that knowledge shall increase, and iniquity shall abound. Or it may be the result of the progress of the age, an evil of which the food that nourishes it is daily gaining strength and growth. The world is so over-populated—at least the world of our small island—that men are jostling each other: treading upon each other’s heels : wrestling for place and power; for wealth, and the grandeur wealth brings, No matter what the cost to honour and integrity ; what the increasing labour of mind and body ; still they wrestle. “T must climb the social ladder. I must increase in riches and im- portance. My neighbour. just now fills the lofty goal I covet. If I cannot attain to it unless he come down, let him fall.” So man soliloquises, and proceeds to work accordingly. Presently he gains his object. A. from his lofty height, with com- placency and self-confidence, has looked down upon the struggling humanity below him. Suddenly, his very self-reliance assisting the downfall, he overbalances, and B. reigns in his stead. The latter in turn becomes self-gratulatory ; he has gained his end; he cares little for the ruin he has effected. He goes forth to the high places of the world with songs triumphant. This is no mere ideal picture. It is a truth and a fact, happening every day in a greater or less degree. All may witness for themselves who do not go through life with their eyes closed. The motto of the present hour is Zvery man for himself. It cannot be too often or too emphatically reiterated. ‘‘ What can /do? How shall Z increase in importance, in riches, in the honour and glory of the world? In what manner can I further my happiness, #y comfort and welfare, gratify my senses?” The -question, ‘What can I do to help on others in.a world labouring in care and misery ?” is passed over. Self-sacrifice is not to be thought of, or mentioned. ‘TI have no time for it,” says the worldly man: might he not add “no inclination”? “My whole days and nights are occupied in the furtherance of my own work, Safes pleasures.” comicbooks.com y