"Maybe that is the reason," I suggested, "why modern society is so
tiresome an affair. By tabooing all difference of opinion we have
eliminated all zest from our intercourse. Religion, sex, politics--
any subject on which man really thinks, is scrupulously excluded
from all polite gatherings. Conversation has become a chorus; or,
as a writer wittily expressed it, the pursuit of the obvious to no
conclusion. When not occupied with mumbling, 'I quite agree with
you'--'As you say'--'That is precisely my opinion'--we sit about and
ask each other riddles: 'What did the Pro-Boer?' 'Why did Julius
Caesar?'"

"Fashion has succeeded where Force for centuries has failed," added
the Philosopher. "One notices the tendency even in public affairs.
It is bad form nowadays to belong to the Opposition. The chief aim
of the Church is to bring itself into line with worldly opinion.
The Nonconformist Conscience grows every day a still smaller voice."

"I believe," said the Woman of the World, "that was the reason why
Emily never got on with poor dear George. He agreed with her in
everything. She used to say it made her feel such a fool."

"Man is a fighting animal," explained the Philosopher. "An officer
who had been through the South African War was telling me only the
other day: he was with a column, and news came in that a small
commando was moving in the neighbourhood. The column set off in the
highest of spirits, and after three days' trying work through a
difficult country came up with, as they thought, the enemy. As a
matter of fact, it was not the enemy, but a troop of Imperial
Yeomanry that had lost its way. My friend informs me that the
language with which his column greeted those unfortunate Yeomen--