I would rather be a man of paradoxes than a man of prejudices. - Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Again I must enter into minute and detailed explanations. I hear my readers murmur, but I am prepared to meet their disapproval; I will not sacrifice the most important part of this book to your impatience. You may think me as long-winded as you please; I have my own opinion as to your complaints.

Unii mă vor găsi caraghios, semeţ: puţin îmi pasă! Trebuie să ştiu a înfrunta râsul şi ocara, cu condiţia să nu le merit.

The sentiments and ideas of all the persons in the gathering take one and the same direction, and their conscious personality vanishes. A collective mind is formed, doubtless transitory, but presenting very clearly defined characteristics.