Philosophy, in the highest acceptation of the term, is the search after a solution for the universal problem the terms of which may be stated as follows:  Experience reveals to us that the world is composed of manifold and diverse beings; and, to come at once to the great division, there are in the world bodies which we are forced to suppose inert, and minds which we feel to be intelligent and free.  The universe is made up of manifold existences; this is quite evident, and a matter of experience.  Reason on the other hand forces us to seek for unity.  To comprehend, is to reduce phenomena to their laws, to connect effects with their causes, consequences with their principles; it is to be always introducing unity into the diversity.  All development of science would be at once arrested, if the mind could content itself with merely taking account of facts in the state of dispersion in which they are presented by experience.  Each particular science gathers up a multitude of facts into a small number of formulae; and, above and beyond particular sciences, reason searches for the connection of all things with one single cause.  To determine the relation of all particular existences with one existence which is their common cause; such is the universal problem.  This problem has been very well expressed by Pythagoras in a celebrated formula, that of the Uni-multiple.  In order to understand the universe, we must rise to a unity which may account for the multiplicity of things and for their harmony, which is unity itself maintained in diversity.

If you well understand this thought, you will easily comprehend the source of the great errors which flow from too strong a disposition to systematize.  Men of this mind attach themselves to inadequate conceptions, and look for unity where it does not exist.  The barrier which we must oppose to this spirit of system is the careful enumeration of the facts which it forgets to notice.  Materialism looks for unity in inert and unintelligent bodies; it suffices to oppose to it one fact—­the reality of mind.  Fatalism seeks unity in necessity.  Point out to it that its destiny-god does not account for the fact of repentance, for example, which implies liberty, and it is enough.  The worship of humanity forces you to exclaim with Pascal—­A queer God, that!  There is in the bitterness of this smile a sufficient condemnation of the doctrine.  To seek for unity, is the foundation of all philosophy.  To seek for unity too hastily and too low, is the source of the errors of absolute minds.  Absolute minds, however great they may be in other respects, are weak minds, in that they do not succeed in preserving a clear view of the diversity of the facts to be explained.  Take the problem of Pythagoras; keep hold of the two extremities of the chain; never allow yourselves to deny the diversity of things, for that diversity is plainly evidenced by human experience; beware of denying their unity, because it is the foundation of reason; then search