Confucius, who began his system with the startling axiom that "man is good," arrived at much more really serviceable conclusions than Schopenhauer and all the pessimists put together.

Meanwhile, Isaacs was in love, and, I supposed, expected me to say something appreciative.
"My dear friend," I began, "it is a rare pleasure to hear any one talk like that; it refreshes a man's belief in human nature, and enthusiasm, and all kinds of things.

I talked like that some time ago because you would not.

I think you are a most satisfactory convert." "I am indeed a convert.

I would not have believed it possible, and now I cannot believe that I ever thought differently.