Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 15.djvu/484

 470 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

13. Definitely planned, delicately directed, refreshing, emo- tional rare occasions; not summoned, primarily, for either in- struction, diversion, nor, specifically, for a common religious impression — but, figuratively, for a kind of irrigation. As a descending mountain torrent may irrigate and fertilize an arid plain, scour out the new channels, and change even the physical aspect, so emotional excitation may inundate the human person- ality with dangerous and deforming effect if misdirected; but when skilfully handled it may work salutary changes in con- sciousness, in character, and in that which is commonly thought to be the Will. Esthetic delight verges on and enkindles the ethical sense, and ethical admiration tends to worthy adoration. The arts, which in essence are the external expression of the idea — the revelation of the reality — have too exclusively remained the heritage of the wealthy and wise, must ultimately fulfil their God-given design — ennoblement of the common people. "We shall come upon the great canon — 'art for man's sake' instead of the little canon 'art for art's sake.' " I have sufficiently experi- mented with music, pictures, and the drama, in aid of our rational reformatory endeavors, to affirm confidently that art may become an effective means in the scheme for reformations.

In addition to the foregoing items the prisoners are constantly under pressure of intense motives that bear directly upon the mind. The indeterminateness of the sentence breeds discontent, broods purpose fulness, and prompts to new exertion. Captivity, always irksome, is now increasingly so because of the uncertainty of its duration; because the duty and responsibility of shorten- ing it and of modifying any undesirable present condition of it devolves upon the prisoner himself, and, again, by the active exactions of the standard and criterion to which he must attain.

Naturally these circumstances serve to arouse and rivet the attention upon the many matters of the daily conduct which so affects the rate of progress toward the coveted release. Such vigilance, so devoted, supplies a motive equivalent to that of the fixed idea. Then the vicissitudes of the daily experience incite to prudence; and the practice of prudence educates the under- standing. Enlightenment thus acquired opens to view the attract-