Insanity.
The tendency of modern civilization is toward insanity. It is increasing throughout Christendom, and far more where the boasted influences of modern education and the so-called progress are most fully realized. The whole fabric of education and society is unsound, and this is proved by the results.
A true civilization advancing in wisdom must develop the ability to correct its own evils, but the civilization that we have is drifting on, downward and helpless.
The philosophy of insanity and the philosophy of its remedial treatment can be found only in the profound study of the brain, and its relations to the soul and body. But there is not a glimmer of the psychic science of the brain to-day in our colleges. In due time, this theme shall be discussed in the Journal.
A proper understanding of this subject will show what method of life and thought tends toward insanity, and by what methods we escape it. It will show also the relation of disease to insanity, and the proper methods of moral and physical treatment.
Miscellany.
Our Narrow Limits and Future Tasks.—As the Journal goes to press I realize vividly how utterly inadequate a dollar monthly is for the expression of the new philosophy, even in the most condensed form, and for the periscope of progress that it should contain. A large amount of desirable matter is necessarily excluded. Nevertheless a modest beginning is prudent; for the vitality of a young journal, whether daily, weekly, or monthly, is as delicate as that of an infant. It is to be hoped that the friends of progress will secure patronage enough to the Journal this year to justify its enlargement in 1888. Meantime the minister whose circuit embraces many stations cannot visit them all each week. In like manner the Journal of Man has too large a circuit to approach each of its themes every month. The science of man being the highest and most comprehensive of themes, occupies the chief position in the first number. Hereafter we must consider in succession such themes as
- Psychometry and its revelations; Spiritual science and philosophy.
- Medical progress and reform; Hygiene and temperance.
- Educational principles and progress; Progress in science and invention.
- The truth in Religion; the prevention of War.
- Land and Labor questions; the extinction of Monopolies.
- Woman’s rights and progress; the condition of the World.
And a score of other important themes. It may be two years before they can all be reached. Those who preserve their Journals will in time have a small library, embodying the knowledge that progressive minds would cherish.