Words of Professor Royce at the Walton Hotel at Philadelphia December 29,1915

This chapter presents the summary of a statement made by Professor Josiah Royce, which can be considered an autobiographical sketch that reveals the major tension of his life and thought. Royce made the statement after a dinner at the Walton Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on December 29, 1915, in acknowledgment of the kindness of his friends. Royce expressed feeling bitterness at being unable to do anything for the Great Community except to say thanks for their great kindness, and his hope that the Community shall see better times ahead. He further says that unless the enemies of mankind are duly rebuked by the results of the war, he does not wish to survive the crisis. He concludes by quoting the words of poet Swinburne in Songs before Sunrise.