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102 PROBLEMS CONFRONTING RUSSIA
only form a stage in evolution removed from the
auto-generation of self-contained beings : the appearance of the
two sexes, therefore, marks but a relative independence.
As one limb may be considered distinct from the other, so
are the two sexes, but both serve a common end and are
incomplete without the other, forming a conditio sine qua
non for their mutual existence. The right appreciation of
this order of nature is the key to the entire relation of the
sexes towards each other, and in their separate independent
positions in the world. Spinsters may be as useful as
possible in public work, but they are, through no fault of
their own, unable to take their full share in the predestined
part allotted to the sexes. From a physiological point of
view it may be said that a human being who has no
relations with the opposite sex remains in a state of
incompleteness. As a matter of fact, such a person never enters
entirely into the inner meaning of life, for its most essential
significance is progeny. Celibacy is one of those artificial
institutions which often leads to immorality, or else deprives
men of their birthright of happiness and the full bloom of
their lives. A man or woman is, de facto, only part of a
whole, and it is erroneous to look upon either as an
independent unit. Each is meant as a complement to the other,
to help each other in his, or her, own particular sphere. If
this law of nature be disregarded, if women through stress
of circumstances or by misconception of their real vocation
neglect the paramount duty of their life, then civilised
humanity will die out ! Intellectual attainment, and any
satisfaction derived from public work, politics, and
administration are of less importance than simply being true
to the dictates of the primeval law of nature. A true man
is one who is capable and willing to earn his livelihood for
his family and for himself, and a true woman is one who
is wife and mother. The chief aim of both should be to
procreate themselves in their children. The Jews teach
that children are a blessing of the Lord, and indeed no
more visible and palpable manifestation of God is given
than in the highest forms of life. True, those suffering from
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