Chapter 1March 3, 1962

Here's a strange aphorism....

Ah!.. Read it to me.

76 – Europe prides herself on her practical and scientific organisation and efficiency. I am waiting till her organisation is perfect; then a child shall destroy her. That's embarrassing....

It's terribly embarrassing.

Let's pass it over in silence.

I would be curious to know what Sri Aurobindo meant by it.

I did know, but I hastened to forget it I knew it when he was still in his body. Once or twice it came back and each time I sort of (gesture) locked it away in a cupboard.

We'll see. It's better left unsaid.

I once knew what he meant – right now I don't remember.61

* * * After

the

work,

concerning a note written by Satprem:

I don't want to tire your eyes with my abominable handwriting.

I can easily read your handwriting.

There's a big difference between people who think about what they write and those who write without thinking. With the latter, even when their handwriting is ostensibly clear, there is a faint cloud and I understand nothing – the words seem to dance. It's the same for speech; people who speak without thinking simply make a humming noise – the words pour out but I understand nothing.

61Nine years later, Mother will remember and on December 11, 1971, find it, on the contrary, very good to say – for the