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with one's whole strength to give oneself away.
STYÓPA. That means to die.
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Yes, even if you gave your life for your friends,
that would be splendid both for you and for others. But the fact is that
man is not solely a spirit, but a spirit within a body; and the flesh
draws him to live for itself, while the spirit of light draws him to
live for God and for others: and the life in each of us is not solely
animal, but is equipoised between the two. But the more it is a life for
God, the better; and the animal will not fail to take care of itself.
STYÓPA. Why choose a middle course: an equipoise between the two? If it
is right to do so--why not give away everything and die?
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. That would be splendid. Try to do it, and it will be
well both for you and for others.
ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. No, that is not clear, not simple. C'est tiré par
les cheveux.[25]
[25] It's too fine spun.
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Well, I can't help it, and it can't be explained by
argument. However, that is enough.
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