Spencer Heath Archive

Item 1856

Notes for a letter to William Ernest Hocking, Madison, New Hampshire regarding his The Coming World Civilization (New York: Harper and Brothers, 1956). Undated but transcribed May 13, 1960, possibly never sent. Copy pasted into the back of his book.

 

 

 

Dear Dr. Hocking

 

    I am afraid I have not until now given you any sign of the pleasure and appreciation with which I received the generous comments concerning my CM&A that were contained in your letter of /July 31, 1957/.

 

    My delay has been occasioned in part by my hope of being able to expose to you somewhat of the gratification I have derived from my frequent preoccupation with your The Coming World Civilization for a number of weeks past.

 

    It was indeed a principal object with me to show something of the religious and aesthetic implications that are indispensable to any great social advance. Your volume is a beautiful exposition of this — far beyond any power of mine to do it justice. For, thanks to such as you (and including Sinnott and Lillie and their kind), philosophy need no longer rest alone in the straitened logic of a barren materialism or take its stand on any superstitious mysticism. The true significance of each is realized in the wholeness in which you have united them. By your warmly compelling presentations I am both illuminated and reassured.

 

    I think you will be happy to note

 

    With my best wishes for many happy and fruitful New Years,

 

                            Sincerely,