Man, on the contrary, is like a chimpanzee, who loves dirt and soils himself with it. There is no part of his body or soul which does not love this mud.

How can two such creatures live together?

He is an optimist even to cynicism, an egoist even to adoration of himself, and his motto is, Après moi le déluge.

She is a pessimist from having placed her ideal so high that no human hand can reach it. She cannot not live an hour without loving and dedicating a thought, an act, or a sacrifice to the good of some fellow-creature.

How could they ever live together?

He has never felt the want of the supernatural, and believes neither in God nor in a soul.

She was born a mystic, and the maternal education has made her religious and superstitious. She has a very strong tendency to asceticism.

How could two such beings be happy together?