Page:Dr. Esperanto's International Language. Introduction and complete grammar. Por angloj. Warsaw, 1889.pdf/24

— 24 — is altogether independent of the opinions that may be formed as to its right to the title „international“. For even should the language never come into general use, it gives to every one who learned it, the possibility of being understood by foreigners, if only they be able to read and write. But my tongue has yet another object; not content with internationality, it aims at universality, and aspires to being by the majority of educated people. To count on the aid of the public in a scheme of this nature would indeed be to build on a tottering,—nay rather, an imaginary,—foundation. The larger part of the public does not care to aid anyone, it prefers to have its wishes gratified without inconvenience to itself. On this account I made my best endeavours to discover some means of accomplishing my object, independently of the help of the public. One of my plans, of which I shall now speak more at large, is a kind of „universal vote“.

If the reader consider all that has been said above, he must come to the conclusion that the study of the international language is practically useful, and completely remunerates the learner for the small amount of trouble he has to expend on it. For my own part, I am naturally wishful that the whole of mankind should take up my language, but I had rather be prepared for the worst, than form too sanguine anticipations. I suppose therefore, that, just at first, very few will consider my language worth the learning, so far as practical usefulness is concerned, and for abstract principles no one will looselose [sic] even a single hour.