A: George Palmer's Nature of Goodness, and some of the classics like Mill's Utilitarianism and On Liberty, Aristotle's Politics and Ethics and selections from Plato's Republic.

Q: Does not the American nation, a nation of action par excellence, need contemplation?

A: I would rather say meditation. All forms of poetry and art should also be very valuable to them.

Q: Who is the greatest thinker of all time. Would you say Plato?

A: Yes, I would say Plato in general. Of course it is hard to rank them. Some are significant in some things, and others in other things.

Q: In your books you emphasize action. Don't you think that mysticism is sometimes very important? Has not some of the best good been given to the world by some mystics like Christ, Plato, Emerson, and certain oriental philosophers?

A: It depends on what you mean by mysticism. I would give the Americans an opportunity for it, but I would not force it on them.

Q: Are not dreams sometimes most valuable? You seem to believe in action and in thought connected with action.

A: Yes, dreams are valuable sometimes but it depends on their quality and how much one indulges in them. I believe in action for knowledge.

Q: What does human nature need most in your estimation?

A: Intelligence, judgment. Relations have to be grasped. Intelligence is regulative power. Intelligent judgement gives direction to desires.

Q: What would you consider the minimum essentials for an educated man?

A: Idealism and intelligent control.

Q: Which of your books do you consider the greatest?

A: Oh, I could not compare them. It is like asking a father which of his children he likes best.