CHARACTER AND INTELLECT [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—"
Antaeus " has suggested reasons why public confi- dence is gained more readily by " character " than by " intel- lect " : but he and others are concerned at the tendency to force a contrast between these virtues. Nevertheless there are reasons for this also.
" Character "—the impress of certain qualities (a clear, distinct impression), is commonly a product of a straightfor- ward mind; which openly and continuously pursues definite purposes by direct and simple methods. Intellect, on the other hand, is apt to waver in the selection of its purposes, because it is apt to see in any proposal many facets of varying colour, and often sees them, not simultaneously, but consecu- tively : and it is apt to see various methods for attaining any purpose, often also some advantage in an indirect method, Its need for study interferes with its sociable impulses. Intel- lect makes its growth among technicalities, such as algebra or Greek particles : character grows best among vulgar interests. such as poultry or motor bicycles. These reflections point to a conclusion that the union of character and intellect in one individual is somewhat rare.
Without doubt, some good purposes need study for their recognition, or can only be reached by indirect routes : yet on the whole the more important things are fairly visible, and are best pursued by the shortest path. The combination of character and intellect can be very effective, but if these are housed in different persons, ordinary people have more hope that the man of character will achieve intellectual adequacy than vice versa, and prefer to give him control.
Among children, intellectual proficiency is often a symptom of ill-health : and health is peculiarly important during the years of bodily growth. " Antaeus " reproaches some of us for acting as if lack of intelligence implies the possession of character. One-is tempted to retort that others act as if the blurring of character were a necessary preliminary to the development of intelligence.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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