more or less hostile spirit of any characteristic which seems strange to him。 That he is capable of profound affections merely modifies here and there his natural contentiousness； and subdues its expression。 Even love； in the largest and purest sense of the word； is no safeguard against perilous irritation and sensibilities inborn。 And what were the durability of love without the powerful alliance of habit？
Suppose yourself endowed with such power of hearing that all the talk going on at any moment beneath the domestic roofs of any town became clearly audible to you； the dominant note would be that of moods； tempers； opinions at jar。 Who but the most amiable dreamer can doubt it？ This； mind you； is not the same thing as saying that angry emotion is the ruling force in human life； the facts of our civilization prove the contrary。 Just because； and only because； the natural spirit of conflict finds such frequent scope； does human society hold together； and； on the whole； present a pacific aspect。 In the course of ages （one would like to know how many） man has attained a remarkable degree of self…control； dire experience has forced upon him the necessity of promise； and habit has inclined him （the individual） to prefer a quiet； orderly life。 But by instinct he is still a quarrelsome creature； and he gives vent to the impulse as far as it is patible with his reasoned interests…… often； to be sure； without regard for that limit。 The average man or woman is always at open d