Tom Elkins wrote … saying Glatting was a marvellous, if rather brave, idea. He described the “awful band of would-be politicians in the ISC”, even the ones I knew; confessed a weakness for EZ. … zfr zhy zic zop
I spent a lazyish afternoon. … Quite content. Danger of becoming lazy? zem
Wednesday 9th
… In future years, when I’m the Pope, I may be interested in my present philosophy of life, which is this. There is no ultimate meaning to life; what meaning there is in one’s life depends on what meaning one gives it. It is obvious to a rational, imaginative being that happiness is only possible if everyone, particularly (due to Mutual Aid Instinct) oneself, … is what is commonly called ‘good’. Being ‘good’ must therefore be the philosophy of life one forms for oneself, if one is rational. zby
It’s silly to argue (as Prof. Fletcher did) that without ultimate eternal truths one would revert to force—but that would not lead to happiness. This needs an educated people, and does away with the need for eternal truths, future lives and the clergy—all small losses. I think it’s quite a satisfying philosophy. I haven’t explained beauty, but explain it by God and you have to explain God—probably there is, or will be, a biological or psychological explanation. zrl zpy
Thursday 10th
Letter from Mommy … John very happy, and paternally successful at calming his daughter. zfl
I got up, read and worked and ate; and wrote and wrecked 3 letters with Dettol, re-wrote two, won’t use Dettol—I’m sure I’m safe enough anyway. … zil zmt
Friday 11th
Worked quite a lot. Crantock beach walk afternoon, posting letters home, to EZ and Tom. Comforting letter EZ, nice one from Roger—a very good friend. … I’m fairly content—face covered in long lank hairs and a few spots, head bumpy—ugly, but not itchy. Roger may not be able to manage Glatting. … zwk zfr zpa
