Yes, I am. He’s a decent enough fellow, but he’s one of those who are sunk in the swamp. And most people here are just like him; they are for ever wavering and wobbling from side to side; what with scruples and misgivings, they never dare advance a step.
Dr. Stockmann.
Yes, but Aslaksen seems to me thoroughly well-intentioned.
Hovstad.
There is one thing I value more than good intentions, and that is an attitude of manly self-reliance.
Dr. Stockmann.
There I am quite with you.
Hovstad.
So I am going to seize this opportunity, and try whether I can’t for once put a little grit into their good intentions. The worship of authority must be rooted up in this town. This gross, inexcusable blunder of the waterworks must be brought home clearly to every voter.
Dr. Stockmann.