[The Inferno by Henri Barbusse]@TWC D-Link bookThe Inferno CHAPTER IX 17/23
I understood.
I understood in the depths of my being that man is more closely knit to man than to his vague compatriots. "Yes, we have a right to attack oppression and war, we have a right to. I saw the truth several times afterward again, but I am an old man, and I haven't the strength to stick to it." "My dear sir," said the young man, rising, with respect in his voice. Evidently he was touched. "Yes, I know, I know," the old scientist continued in an outburst of sincerity.
"I know that in spite of all the arguments and the maze of special cases in which people lose themselves, the absolute, simple truth remains, that the law by which some are born rich and others poor and which maintains a chronic inequality in society is a supreme injustice.
It rests on no better basis than the law that once created races of slaves.
I know patriotism has become a narrow offensive sentiment which as long as it lives will maintain war and exhaust the world.
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