To this end, you ought, first, to analyze closely each proposition of your adversary; second, to show the error, either by a direct refutation, or by proving the converse; third, to oppose argument to argument, so that, objection and reply meeting face to face, the stronger may break down the weaker, and shiver it to atoms.

By that method only can you boast of having conquered, and compel me to regard you as an honest reasoner, and a good artillery-man." I should have no excuse for tarrying longer with these phalansterian crotchets, if the obligation which I have imposed upon myself of making a clean sweep, and the necessity of vindicating my dignity as a writer, did not prevent me from passing in silence the reproach uttered against me by a correspondent of "La Phalange." "We have seen but lately," says this journalist, [71] "that M.Proudhon, enthusiast as he has been for the science created by Fourier, is, or will be, an enthusiast for any thing else whatsoever." If ever sectarians had the right to reproach another for changes in his beliefs, this right certainly does not belong to the disciples of Fourier, who are always so eager to administer the phalansterian baptism to the deserters of all parties.

But why regard it as a crime, if they are sincere?
Of what consequence is the constancy or inconstancy of an individual to the truth which is always the same?
It is better to enlighten men's minds than to teach them to be obstinate in their prejudices.

Do we not know that man is frail and fickle, that his heart is full of delusions, and that his lips are a distillery of falsehood?
_Omnis homo meudax_.

Whether we will or no, we all serve for a time as instruments of this truth, whose kingdom comes every day.
God alone is immutable, because he is eternal.
That is the reply which, as a general rule, an honest man is entitled always to make, and which I ought perhaps to be content to offer as an excuse; for I am no better than my fathers.