"He who fears to be out of the mode does not deserve to belong to himself." Of America East Of West: Selections from the writings of Paul Horgan (New York: Ferrar, Straus & Giroux, 1984), p. 147.
Contemporary author Paul Horgan's gritty maxim actually relates to the craft and art of writing. It defines an essential element of what Mr. Horgan feels is necessary to be an effective and original writer. Yet his statement affirms equally well a fundamental truth concerning human life itself. Effective individuality requires an integrity of character. Effective and original living calls for a willingness to stand apart when necessary, the courage to stand up for what is right and good. And such a stand is always for the wider good of others as well as oneself.
Reading Horgan's pointed observation also brought to mind the inspired counsel of another "Paul"—one who was certainly among the greatest writers and Christian nonconformists history has recorded. In the first decades after Christ Jesus' ministry, the Apostle Paul could clearly see how vital it was for Christians to hold fast and true to the spiritual standards the Master had given to his followers. Without the steadfast separation from worldliness and a fidelity to the light of truth, salvation would remain only a distant hope. Human life would stay dark and virtually meaningless.
