Chapter 3:
1. Conversion from atheism to religion or vice-versa & beliefs in political causes
are manifestations of a basic human need for adventure.
2. These convictions are based on a desire and struggle
for the truth, a just cause.
3. "Wanderlust" is a word that associates sex with adventure.
4. The instinct for adventure is the source of humanity's
greatest triumphs as well as worst catastrophes.
5. Organisations can be so well-regulated that they become impotent.
6. Political parties can be so well-balanced that no change is possible
despite the fact that no one is satisfied.
7. Revolutions in politics, religion and artistic expression all begin
with creativity & drive, but will stagnate or even decline eventually.
8. What you possess always seems less attractive than what you desire.
9. Pascal: "We never seek things themselves,
only the search for things."
10. All adventures begin with dynamic growth and magical power.
When met with resistance, the intuitive and prophetic power
gives way to rational argument, vehement defence and discussion.
This leads to dogma and formulas which kill the thrill of adventure.
They end up becoming a relic of the past in the annuls of history.
11. All movements begin in a fever of improvisation.
Success leads to systematic organisation which takes away the joy.
New, profitable enterprises sprout up for a few days
to inject enthusiasm, restore joy and allay disaster.
12. Christian movements, under the impulsion of the Holy Spirit,
become large, successful organisations.
That is when apostolic leaders become administrative servants
and there is hardly any true spiritual ministry.
13. "Reviving the flame" is not confined to Christian ministry
but applies to all endeavours. Writers lose spontaneous tide
and make it up with artificial effort.
14. It is dangerous to assume that one's golden age is behind him.
One idolises the past instead of living in the present for the future.
15. The law of adventure is that it dies as it achieves its object.
16. The spiritual life is nothing but a series of new births.
