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Hokitika Guardian, 7 November 1936, Page 4

In a recent publication- “Seven,” fie author Mr Ron. Landon, Writes: Had my early education been less illusory I .plight always have known that truism. Although I had a. ..natural respect for'thought, it took-me years before J could overcome fear, «almost .terror, inherent in every genuine attempt at thought. We acknowledge it by trying to escape thinking. Wirer less, cinema, gramophone, the modern newspaper and magazine would not b© so popular if w'e did not suffer from the horror of thought. Formerly, when you were at, home by yourself, you could not help thinking every now and then. Now all manner of illusion- ar© at hand to prevent thought. The more fantastic the substitute, the less conducive to thoqght—the more welcome it becomes. .The main reason for.our fear of thought is its difficulty. We are afraid ;too, that our illusions may be destroyed For to replace them requires one of the most difficult decisions in human life, the establishment of personal opinions, and thus the taking pf responsibility upon ourselves. Thought is the beginning of true creation, and all creation is painful—whether it be the birth of a Child, of a symphony or of an idea,, uy effort- alone can we overcome the horror of thought. Even then thought tries :to .escape from tlhe .circle or concentration, fluttering like a wild bird in a.cage. Almost we feel relieved to let it go, returning to thoughtless drifting, let the joy we derive from making our though creative dees not merely seem a joy, but is on e; it is not momentary, but remains with us.