"How is one to decide on what is the highest development? Which stands on the highest plane of civilization, the English, the French, or the Germans? Which nation is to naturalize the others? We have seen the Rhine made French; but are the Germans inferior? No; there is some other law," he cried in his bass voice.
"I believe that the balance will always turn in favor of true civilization," said Alekseï Aleksandrovitch, slightly raising his brows.
"But what are the signs of this true civilization?" demanded Pestsof.
"I suppose these signs are known," replied Alekseï Aleksandrovitch.
"But are they really known?" suggested Sergyeï Ivanovitch, with a subtle smile. "It is now admitted that our present civilization can't be anything else than classical, but we have furious debates on this point, and it cannot be denied that each side brings forward strong proofs in its favor."
"Are you in favor of the classics, Sergyeï Ivanovitch?" said Oblonsky "Shall I give you some claret?"
"I am not expressing my personal opinions regarding either form of civilization," replied Koznuishef, with a smile of condescension such as he would have shown a child, as he reached out his glass. "I only say that both sides have strong arguments," continued he, addressing Alekseï Aleksandrovitch. "My education was classical; but in this controversy I personally cannot find any room to stand. I do not see any clear proofs that the classics must take precedence over the sciences."
"The natural sciences tend just as much to the pedagogical development of the human mind," replied Pestsof. "Take astronomy, take botany, and zoology, each with its system of general laws!"
"It seems to me impossible to deny that the very process of learning the forms of languages has a specially beneficial influence on mental development. Moreover, it must be admitted that the influence of the classic writers is eminently moral; while, unfortunately
