THIS AGE OF CONFORMITY
33
cause for reassurance or relaxation; nothing gives us reason to dis–
solve that compact in behalf of critical intransigence known as the
avant garde.
No formal ideology or program
is
entirely adequate for coping
with the problems that intellectuals face in the twentieth century.
No easy certainties and no easy acceptance of uncertainty. All the
forms of authority, the states and institutions and monster bureauc–
racies, that press in upon modern life-what have these shown us to
warrant the surrender of independence?
The most glorious vision of the intellectual life is still that which
is loosely called humanist: the idea of a mind committed yet dispas–
sionate, ready to stand alone, curious, eager, skeptical. The banner of
critical independence, ragged and torn though it may
be,
is still the
best we have.
(Mr. Howe's article deals with many complex and highly controver–
sial issues. It also contains some criticisms of the development of PR,
as well as of the individual positions of some members of its editorial
board. We are presenting this article to our readers in the interest of
a critical analysis of the American scene. We hope to continue the
discussion in future issues.-
THE
EDITORS)
