"IN this volume of Essays, M. Maeterlinck manifests that sensitive
perception and remarkable insight as to the things pertaining to the
life of the spirit which were the charm and power of "The Treasure of
the Humble" and "Wisdom and Destiny." The rare and beautiful philosophy
of life, the Mysticism, so characteristic of him, alike pervade the book
and create an atmosphere of which the reader is conscious, stimulating
his purposes and aspirations. The increased complexity of modern human
society and the attendant opportunities for the cultivation of the
intellect result in two things: a greater individual responsibility in
general and a diminished opportunity for striking and remarkable
individual careers. Hence there is no multiplication of the picturesque
hero in these days, and, if he does appear, the keen clear light of
criticism soon shows that his heroic trappings are in large part
veritably mere tinsel...."