Title:
I Like a Spirit
Date:
1918
Source:
www.ne.jp
Notes:
Originally published in 1918. English translation was done by Le Libertaire Group in 1979 (“A Short History of The Anarchist Movement in Japan,” The Idea Publishing House; Tokyo, Japan, p.132).
Ōsugi Sakae
I Like a Spirit
I like a spirit. But I feel a repugnance when it is theorized. Under process of theorizing, it is often transformed into a harmony with social reality, a slavish compromise, and a falsehood.
It is a rare thing that a thought is as it is. Still, it is few of action emerged from a spirit directly.
In this sense, I like Minpon Shyugi and Jindo Shugi (Humanitarianism) advocated ambigously by those of literary circle.
But when they are asserted by those of law or politics, I am disgusted with them. I abhor socialism, even anarchism induces me to uneasiness.
I like at the most a blind action of a human being or an expression of spirit.
Let freedom be for an idea, Let freedom be for an action, Still, let freedom be for a motive!