Scepticism and Animal Faith: Introduction to a System of Philosophy The Life of Reason: Or the Phases of Human Progress

Abstract

MR. SANTAYANA has a wonderful gift of expression and writes with a distinction and charm which are an unending source of delight. Yet he leaves his readers with a strange unsatisfied feeling not free from a touch of resentment. He is a true poet, who can write prose with all the rhythm of verse. Born in Madrid of Spanish parents, he tells us that he has chosen our language for his literary expression, though it is not his native tongue, because he considers that so far as containing truth is concerned one language is as good as another, and he prefers ours. Also, what is truly admirable in a philosopher, he finds it adequate. When we read, however, his sustained but pleasant and well-balanced soliloquising, we cannot but wonder why he should suppose that we are interested in his want of interest in what interests us. Yet this is the whole burden of his philosophy. Scepticism and Animal Faith: Introduction to a System of Philosophy. By George Santayana. Pp. xii + 314. (London, Bombay and Sydney: Constable and Co., Ltd., 1923.) 12s. net. The Life of Reason: Or the Phases of Human Progress. By George Santayana. Second edition. In 5 vols. Vol. 1: Introduction and Reason in Commonsense. Pp. xix+291. Vol. 2: Reason in Society. Pp.viii+205. Vol. 3: Reason in Religion. Pp. ix+279. Vol. 4: Reason in Art. Pp. ix+230. Vol. 5: Reason in Science. Pp. ix+320. (London, Bombay and Sydney: Constable and Co., Ltd., 1923.) 8s. net each vol.