THE one great hindrance to and interference with freedom of action in the physical realm is friction. A very large part of the propelling power necessary to keep machinery in motion is absorbed in overcoming this obstructing force. Take for example a locomotive engine: there is the friction of the pistons, axles, rails, and wind to be reckoned with, all of which involves the loss of power. Indeed, if this friction could be eliminated, it would take but a comparatively small amount of steam to move a train of cars from Boston to San Francisco at the rate of a hundred miles an hour.
A similar condition appears in the metaphysical realm. In the intellectual and moral advancement and spiritual development of mankind there is a great amount of energy wasted in overcoming friction, and in no form is this more frequent and more obstinate than in the case of prejudice. There are few things that have such unbounded sway in the thoughts of mortals, although the fact is rarely admitted. Let any one ask himself why he thinks a certain way about any subject, and he may find it difficult to give a satisfactory answer. In the many questions which confront us in our daily experience there are comparatively few concerning which we have not formed a decided opinion, and if there are opposing views we know on just which side we stand, although the reason for taking our position is not always given due consideration. Too frequently our opinion is based on a prejudice of which we may be utterly unaware.
According to the Century Dictionary prejudice is an opinion or decision formed without due examination of the facts or arguments which are necessary to a just and impartial determination." And Webster defines it as a leaning toward one side of a question from other considerations than those belonging to it; an unreasonable predilection for, or objection against anything." According to the etymology of the word, prejudice is the result of prejudging, forming an opinion with no previous or proper investigation. Prejudice will not listen, consider, or examine To argue with it is to labor in vain. Deal with it we must, however, both in ourselves and others,—but how?
