Spencer Heath Archive

Item 1294

Carbon of letter from Heath to Frederick W. Roman, 214 Loma Drive, Los Angeles CA

January 16, 1940

 

 

 

Dear Doctor Roman: –

I have had you and your excellent work in California on my mind for a long time, and often wished that I might be in closer touch with you.

Since last I saw you, I have continued my diggings in the field of ideas and have, as it seems to me and to a few others, turned up in the field of history, including current experience, some clear and definite traces of a uniform and constant process by which all progress, spiritual and material, has been achieved. The formulation of this uniformity in a way to include and apply to all its aspects is a generalization from induction inclusive and verifiable as a foundation at once for a science of history and of society.

While indulging myself in the observation and discovery of this objective side of the philosophy of freedom, that was so dear to Henry George, I have done little or nothing in the way of any organization for publicizing it, but I do find it excellently received by almost all to whom I have tried to present it, finding almost no resistance apart from encounter with some of the current and traditional conceptions that it seems completely to transcend.

Last night, for example, I had a group of fifteen, mostly teachers of Social Science according to the gospel of Henry George and most of whom remained until about 2 A.M., and were still eager for further sessions as soon as I return from Boston and Cambridge where I go tomorrow for similar occasions that have been arranged. At Cambridge last September I joined and attended an International Congress for the Unity of Science, participating in its sessions and numerous informal discussions, and made a number of happy acquaintances at Harvard where the Congress was held, that I hope to continue and renew. Returning next week to New York I will remain here for a few days to complete my present arrangements, thence to Baltimore and soon after to Detroit and, probably, Yellow Springs in Ohio.

I am delighted that Miss Leighton, who has been giving me some valuable assistance, could have, at my suggestion, a brief visit with you and observation of your work for both of which she brings and communicates much enthusiasm. She tells me your memory of our few and brief contacts is still green, and that you were kind enough to suggest that I might participate and, perhaps, assist in some of your excellent activities, if or when I carry out my long-standing intention to visit your distant and so attractive part of the land. I am able to arrange it at almost any time, and am thinking somewhat of continuing westward upon my approaching visit to Michigan and Ohio. If I should do this it would bring me to Los Angeles in late February or, more probably, early March.

From all accounts, I take it you must be carrying on an extensive and heavily demanding but very satisfying work of a kind that must always be slow to win appreciation and adequate support, which latter I hope it is at least beginning to gain, even at the danger, always inevitable, of becoming ritualized under a set of traditions the more sterile as they are the more cherished. So dependent are ideas on organization, yet how prejudicial often it becomes to their growth. Someone, Emerson I think, says, “an institution is the lengthened shadow of a man.” The implications of the figure may be profound. Perhaps experience reverses the adage into, “wise men build houses and fools live in them.” Certainly a well established institution seldom preserves in its personnel its founder’s vital attributes, and new institutions must constantly be born.

It is an exceptional thing for a person like me, outside of the academic vocations and associations, to come under the inspiration of cultured and creative minds. So it is, at the very least, a pleasing phantasy that I may at some not distant date have a short session of association with you and your intellectual group.

I think Miss Leighton gave you a leaflet listing some topics that I discussed at the Roerich Museum. I am sorry that I have nothing of this kind with me here at New York. But I can say that my preferred topic is “The Science of Society” or any subordinate theme that may be regarded as coming under that general head, such as:

Social and Political Origins

The Social Function of Religion and the Esthetic Arts

The Parallel Influence of Diverse Natural Environment on

Individual Development and Social Growth

     The Identifiability of Social Laws with Natural Law

     The Quantitative and Qualitative in Life—Science and Art

     The Spiritual Sources and Destiny of Science

     The Platonic Year in Society

     Society-to What End?

 

Please do not suppose I am prepared to dogmatize over so wide a field, or do more than try to illuminate well known experience with interpretations and conceptions mutually consistent through being referable to a central principle of voluntary consent and association.

It was kind of you and Miss Tucker to extend so cordial a welcome and so many hospitalities to Miss Leighton, and of you to remember me as you did.

Any communication sent to my address at Elkridge, Md. Will reach me directly during the last week of this month, or be forwarded thereafter.

With all good wishes,

Sincerely yours,

SH:L

P.S.  Miss Leighton wishes me to convey her very kind remembrances and appreciation.