οὐχὶ πάντες εἰσὶν λειτουργικὰ πνεύματα;[1]
[1] Greek—transliteration: ouchi pantes eisin leitourgika pneumata?
Translation: “Are they not all ministering spirits?” (Hebrews 1:14)—Transcriber.
PREFACE
Prejudice is at first a Guide to Knowledge, but afterwards a Gaoler of Thought.
The average Englishman prefers to have his knowledge well formulated and well classified in what one may call a portable and handy form. To such an one it seems desirable to have certain general propositions about the animal creation which, regardless of small subtleties and differences, he may use as a guide for practical action. As, for instance, “that man is governed by reason but the brutes by instinct”; “that the cat, though eminently domestic, is selfish, egotistic, and luxurious; whereas the dog is generous, affectionate, and faithful”; that “cats care for places and not for people.”
Many more such maxims may be mentioned, some of which imply a certain amount of observation, as, for instance, that the parrot possesses an imitative instinct.
Those who have this guide to knowledge will tell you that they like or do not like “the character of the cat,” and will ask if you like cats or dogs best.