It is wrong that the Unknown should profit by man's debility and ignorance.

On the contrary, the eternal hope should be that the things which now seem inexplicable will some day be explained; and we cannot, under healthy conditions, have any other ideal than this march towards the discovery of the Unknown, this victory slowly achieved by reason amidst all the miseries both of the flesh and of the mind.

Ah! reason--it is my reason which makes me suffer, and it is from my reason too that I await all my strength.

When reason dies, the whole being perishes.

And I feel but an ardent thirst to satisfy my reason more and more, even though I may lose all happiness in doing so." Tears were appearing in Doctor Chassaigne's eyes; doubtless the memory of his dear dead ones had again flashed upon him.