“It appears to me easy enough,” said Wilhelm.

“You could not think of an academic career in Germany after it.”

“You know I do not aspire to that.”

“Beside that, the episode will become an insurmountable barrier in a hundred circumstances of life.”

Wilhelm was silent.

“Don’t misunderstand me.  I have not a word to say in favor of the regulation of duels.  I abhor them.  It is as stupid and brutal as the offering of human sacrifices to appease angry gods.  I myself have never fought in a duel.  But I—­I am already on the shadowy side of life.  I want nothing more from the world.  But those still on the sunny side have other things to consider.  I think war is a horrible barbarism, still I would not advise any one to hold back from his duty in time of war.  Men are often compelled to take part in the foolishness of majorities.  I know your heart is in the right place, and that you don’t place any exaggerated value on your life.  You are content to stand alone in the world, and have no mortgage of obligation on your life.  Why will you not fight?”

“Simply because I think as you do about duels.  I agree that one must often take part in the folly of the crowd, but I see a difference there.  I go and fight in battle because the State compels me.  I can struggle against these laws with my feeble forces, and I can exert myself to bring about their alteration; but so long as they exist I must submit to them, or else exile myself or commit suicide.  If the duel were a written law, I would fight; but the law as a matter of fact forbids it, and my opinions are in accordance with the law.”

“But there are laws of society as well as laws of the State.  There are customs which prevail over opinion and prejudices.”

“That is not the same thing.  If the folly of the majority form itself into laws of the State, the gendarmes see to their enforcement.  No judge or jailer compels obedience to the laws of society.”

“Something like it, however.  It is unspeakably bitter to live without the respect of one’s fellow-creatures.”

“I am coming to that point.  But please do not think me overbearing and conceited.  The respect of my fellow-men I hold far more lightly than self-respect.  If I despised myself it would be no compensation if every one saluted me, and if I respect myself, it does not trouble me if others hold me lightly.  When I am not forcibly compelled I cannot let my own actions be guided by the caprices and fads of other people.  So long as it is possible my actions shall be guided by my own judgment.  You say you want nothing more of the world—­I require nothing more either.  The only thing I demand is the freedom of the soul.”