The Stratagem and Other Stories

X The final stage is clearly enough inevitable, unless we believe the Buddhist theories, which I am somewhat inclined to do, as their theory of the Universe is precisely confirmed in every detail by the facts here set down. But it is one thing to recognize a disease, another to dis- cover a remedy. Frankly, my whole being revolts from their methods, and I had rather acquiesce in the ulti- mate destiny and achieve it as quickly as may be. My earnest preoccupation is to avoid the preliminary tor- tures, and I am convinced that the explosion of a dyna- mite cartridge in the mouth is the most practicable method of effecting this. There is just the possibility that if all thinking minds, all “spiritual beings,” were thus de- stroyed, and especially if all organic life could be annihi- lated, that the Universe might cease to be, since (as Bishop Berkeley has shown) it can only exist in some thinking mind. And there is really no evidence (in spite of Berkeley) for the existence of any extra-human con- sciousness. Matter in itself may think, in a sense, but its monotony of woe is less awful than its abomination, the building up of high and holy things only to drag them through infamy and terror to the old abyss. I shall consequently cause this record to be widely distributed. The note-books of my work with Arthur (Vols, I CCXIV) will be edited by Professor von Buehle, whose marvellous mind may perhaps discover some es- cape from the destiny which menaces mankind. Every- thing is in order in these note-books; and I am free to die, for I can endure no more, and above all things I dread the onset of illness, and the possibility of natural or accidental death. NOTE I am glad to have the opportunity of publishing, in a journal so widely read by the profession, the MS. of the