Description:

Santayana writes a fascinating lengthy letter to architect R. Clipston Sturgis. The man who famously said: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" here states "We are fortunate to have lived to see a real change in the outlook of history. I detested the nineteenth century. The twentieth, through fire and sword, seems to be coming to face reality."

GEORGE SANTAYANA (1863-1952) Autograph Letter Signed "G. Santayana," 2 pages, 8" x 10.5", separate sheets attached together at left edges (not on Santayana writing) by plastic tape. Rome, Italy, August 1, 1945. To architect Richard Clipston Sturgis (1860-1951). Each page bears a censor stamping. Minor flaws. On lightweight stationery. Fine condition.

In part, "I am grateful, after finishing your letter, that you have protested so gently. The risk of giving offence by a book like Persons & Places (Santayana's 1944 autobiography) was obvious, and my original intention had been not to publish it while I still lived, or those lived whose feelings might be hurt by it. But outside solicitations prevailed. First about the first volume, and then, with some qualms on my part and much pruning of the text, in regard to the second. It has been only in view of the third that I have called a halt and reverted to my good resolutions. And it is not only in question of not offending individuals: it is also a question of waiting for public sentiment to become hypocritical and relish the plain truth. The truth is many-sided. A person who saw only evil in the world or in the soul would miss the truth of what is most beautiful. But to see, or to mention only the beautiful is to form a false and tiresome picture of the world…

"The pleasures of solitude can hardly be called happiness, yet they combine enjoyment with peace: and writing this book about my unhappy youth has given me more pleasure than I ever had in living through those episodes … We are fortunate to have lived to see a real change in the outlook of history. I detested the nineteenth century. The twentieth, through fire and sword, seems to be coming to face reality. You in America are being awakened from your satisfied slumber, and are courageously taking the lead. Not that events are ever likely to fulfil expectations: but they may bring something else, perhaps better, at least in its own eyes…" Note: Five days after Santayana wrote these words, the United States dropped the first of two atomic bombs on Japan.

On verso of the second sheet are two Autograph Notes Signed "Clip" by Sturgis, the first in pencil, to "Dick," possibly his grandson Richard Clipston Harding, son of his daughter, graphic designer Dorothy Sturgis Harding (1891-1978) who may be the "Dottie" mentioned in the second note:

"Dear Dick I was too ill when this came to really read it - Am better now - Love to both, Clip" and "Oct. 9. Dottie has read this now. I send it on to you. Don't want it back. am gaining! Clip."

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