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In the above outline, I have in the main endeavoured merely to state Bergson's views, without
giving the reasons adduced by him in favour of their truth. This is easier than it would be with
most philosophers, since as a rule he does not give reasons for his opinions, but relies on their
inherent attractiveness, and on the charm of an excellent style.

In Germany all advocacy of his doctrines has been
forcibly suppressed, but may be expected to revive when the Nazis are overthrown. *

* I am writing in 1943.

Considered purely as a philosopher, Marx has grave shortcomings. He is too practical, too much wrapped up in the problems of his time. His purview is confined to this planet, and, within this planet, to Man. Since Copernicus, it has been evident that Man has not the cosmic importance which he formerly arrogated to himself. No man who has failed to assimilate this fact has a right to call his philosophy scientific.

To Bentham, determinism in psychology was important, because he wished to establish a code of laws--and, more generally, a social system--which would automatically make men virtuous. His second principle, that of the greatest happiness, became necessary at this point in order to define "virtue."

To frame a philosophy capable of coping with men intoxicated with the prospect of almost unlimited power and also with the apathy of the powerless is the most pressing task of our time.