29. Comment on a Letter to the Editor

I am convinced that it is the duty of the editor of a literary journal to allow different voices to be heard on the same subject. That is why I have willingly reprinted the preceding remarks¹. However, I am not of the opinion that much is gained if the author of one opinion replies to that of another, the latter replies back and so on. Opinions such as I have put forward have arisen from quite definite premises, from sensations which I have acquired in the course of my life by contemplating Shakespeare. Mr. Häfker proceeds from other feelings. I do not believe that we can convince each other. Still less do I believe that the reader can be won over to one view or the other by the presentation of new arguments. Those who look at things as I do will subscribe to my view; those who start from Mr. Häfker's premises will agree with him. One can merely assert his views. Whether one finds agreement or not depends on many things that cannot be changed by presenting conclusions, inferences, refutations and so on. I would therefore like to refrain from adding anything further to my remarks.