Page:The Distinction between Mind and Its Objects.djvu/16

 underlying motive in subjective idealism, a recognition of the necessity that the most interesting things should have at least as much reality as anything else, and that mind should not be cut off from its objects, which constitute nature and the world. We shall return to this point.

But now, in contrast with the two familiar positions which I have briefly mentioned as Materialism and Subjective Idealism, we find ourselves confronted with twentieth century Realism. It is a novelty in two principal characteristics: one a characteristic of its advocates, the other of its doctrine. The point as regards the theorists themselves is that no one can say their views are due to ignorance or incapacity. Many former realists, and especially materialists, have displayed a quite uncritical attitude; partly owing to their historical position, partly to other limitations. But the realists of to-day, most certainly at any rate the realist about whom I am going to speak, are learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians. What