The Henson Journals

[348]

Whit–Tuesday, May 17th, 1921.

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"It may interest a few philosophers to know the truth, but the peoples will always prefer dreams."

Gustave le Bon.

Not in all history can one cite an example of a belief destroyed or reduced by means of refutation.

Gustave le Bon.

I motored to Darlington, and there took train at 1.58 p.m. to Scarborough. At York I had time enough to get my hair trimmed. In the carriage was Fisher, the minister of S. Cuthbert's. He introduced himself to me, for I certainly should not have recognized him. At Scarborough, where I arrived at 6.15 p.m., I put up at the Grand Hotel at the cost of the Co–operators. At 7.30 p.m. the meeting was held in a Hall called Olympia. It was crowded, something over 1000 people being present. I spoke for 45 minutes on "Democracy and Education", and was well received, though there certainly were opponents in the room, and I suspect that much that I said was unpalatable. The total absence of the accustomed eulogies probably surprised them. But, whatever their sentiments, they kept them under decent control. The Chairman, Mr Rae of Sunderland, walked back to the Hotel with me. He expressed agreement with what I said, but I should doubt his feeling it judicious to do so openly.

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