Room For Scepticism.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19268, 3 January 1931, Page 8

Room For Scepticism.

To the Editor. Dear Sir, —The confidence that marked Mr Trolove’s previous letters has given way to uncertainty and doubt. There are even indications that it may not yet be too late for him to realise that my attitude of scepticism is, in the present state of our knowledge, the only justifiable one to adopt on the question of survival after death. I am, however, not very hopeful that this beneficent change will take place. His inability to fully appreciate the value of the opinions of great men of science indicates that with him the feelings and the emotions hold sway. It is because spiritualism ministers chiefly to the emotional and sentimental side of human nature that so many worship at its shrine to-day. Having rejected orthodox teachings, yet not possessing the giant strength of mind required for the adoption of atheism, agnosticism, or rationalism, its adherents seek refuge in its tenets. As the child mind revels in its fancies and fairies, so such adult minds find joy and satisfaction in their superstitions and their spirits. One can readily understand, there-

fore, why Sir Arthur Keith, possessing such a clear insight into human nature should say to them, “Go on believing,” for he knows that that belief brings to them an untroubled calm that otherwise they would not possess. With many of them, no doubt, the wish is truly father to the thought. The chagrin of Sir Oliver Lodge at the loss of his son may suggest to the psychologist a basis for enquiry into the validity of that great scientist’s views on survival after death.—l am, etc., SCEPTIC.