Spencer Heath Archive

Item 1695

Carbon of a letter from Heath at 312 Halesworth Street, Santa Ana, California to Richard H. Popkin, Harvey Mudd College, Claremont CA.

September 17, 1961

 

 

 

Dear Dr. Popkin:

     I have never given my very highest regard to the skeptical approach to the world phenomenon. Rather have I felt more akin to those who are fundamentally believers rather than those who put their confidence (so it seems) in doubt and denial — if you will pardon the paradox.

     However, since looking somewhat extensively into your History of Skepticism, I have found it of greater interest than I could have anticipated in advance. So, besides thanking you for your kindness in giving me this book, I think I ought to thank you, or your mind, for having led me somewhat from the regions of supposed certainty and security. It does seem that there is something more to this matter of skepticism than the word itself would imply.

     This book of your bears so much evidence of diligent and, on the whole, constructive research that I think that before getting through with it I shall find myself quite a bit further along the road of ever wider understandings of the relations between the particular and the general, the abstract and the concrete, and with this a further self-identification with whatever is most real and thereby most enduring — or perhaps I should turn it around and say that which is most enduring and thereby most real (you will recognize my authorities for this).

     The foregoing is just to give you grounds for feeling that your seed has not fallen on completely barren ground.

     It was pleasant to have you for my luncheon guest quite a few months ago. I only regret that opportunity did not arise for a further acquaintance with your, shall I say, skeptical mind.

     With good wishes and thanks for your kind remembering of me,

Sincerely,