Page:Pontoppidan - Emanuel, or Children of the Soil (1896).djvu/167

 Then he spoke of the style of conversation prevalent at these entertainments. He who had the power of handling every subject on heaven and earth in a light and joking manner was said to have conversational talent; and by this alone was a person's worth gauged in the social world. To speak seriously on serious subjects—to inquire into the ardent longings and the higher aspirations of men was considered unsuitable and pedantic. In like manner it was contrary to good form to speak of one's own purposes in life, our plans and hopes, though it was quite the thing to chatter glibly about the latest scandal, dress and theatres.

"In this fevered atmosphere, amid this devouring restlessness," he went on, "our young people grow up. Amid frivolity, arrogance, twaddle and hypocrisy they receive the first deep impressions which are of such enormous importance in their future life. There is so much to be pruned, bent, ground, and polished before a child from the Almighty's workshop can become a presentable member of Society. Look at our young men, the youths who are to be our leaders, teachers, and judges! Before they reach their twentieth year, most of them have given up every higher and nobler aspiration, and have thrown overboard all faith in the true and fruitful Powers of life. They have learnt that Society only requires from them an irreproachable exterior, correct behaviour, and a pleasant smile;