Record of a Friendship

ultimate result of thousands of years of devastating upbringing of new
generations. The more millions follow the little great man, the worse it
gets. This is an unsurpassable lesson. It is also the great beginning of an
entirely new age. It has to precede the new ages that are coming. Things
have to go down before a new education will win out. And it is winning
out, slowly, painfully, regardless of our lives or our happiness. It is on
its way, doubtless and firm. The realisation of a whole emotionally dead
humanity will never again vanish from the hearts of men. And since life
cannot be extinguished, since it always goes on, a new kind of life is
coming. I am very hopeful. The future does away with the past. Nothing
remains of old ways. No socialism, no communism, no liberalism,
nothing, just change, that is all. And every newborn child brings it with
it. What you are going through is the breakdown of all old illusions
about man, the little man who began to take over. I followed this process
with awe for many years, trying to hold on to some illusions; in vain.
We are facing point blank the greatest revolution in human existence.
I do not believe that the dictators can win out. There is still too much
thinking and searching in the world. There is too much longing, and
there are some hard facts about infants and life. Did you ever see a
seedling germinate and push through big, hard pebbles of stone and
earth? This is what I mean. Look at Zoe as I look at Peter and see the
new life. I see Peter already succumb here and there to the plague, but
the new life is there unmistakably. And this is what I am working for.
It should keep you cheerful and hopeful. Your life's work is a part of
this new life, since you have helped in shaping it, in bringing it forth,
in delivering it. Why don't you describe Zoe, Neill, in detail, every move,
every battle she fights with the old, spoiled life? Why don't you use your
gifts as a writer to convey what it is like to grow up without armour
and to have to fight hard to keep free of it? Lately Peter hates me, hits
me with glee, because I keep him going MY way and the world pulls
him THEIR way. Does not matter, he loves me and not them. He comes
to ME and not to them to get help and advice. We are the witnesses of
the first true blossoming of life among men, Neill. No plaguey dictator
can take this away ...
Forget the present and think in terms of 1000 years hence. It is very
hard but possible.
We are preparing for Christmas, looking forward to it.
My love to all of you. A good New Year ...