For that field of learning within which the cognitive or
intellectual interest is dominant -- the sciences properly so
called -- the case is somewhat different, not only as regards the
attitude of the leisure class, but as regards the whole drift of
the pecuniary culture. Knowledge for its own sake, the exercise
of the faculty of comprehensive without ulterior purpose, should,
it might be expected, be sought by men whom no urgent material
interest diverts from such a quest. The sheltered industrial
position of the leisure class should give free play to the
cognitive interest in members of this class, and we should
consequently have, as many writers confidently find that we do
have, a very large proportion of scholars, scientists, savants
derived from this class and deriving their incentive to
scientific investigation and speculation from the discipline of a
life of leisure. Some such result is to be looked for, but there
are features of the leisure-class scheme of life, already
sufficiently dwelt upon, which go to divert the intellectual
interest of this class to other subjects than that causal
sequence in phenomena which makes the content of the sciences.
The habits of thought which characterize the life of the class
run on the personal relation of dominance, and on the derivative,
invidious concepts of honor, worth, merit, character, and the
like.
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