I used to come from the village with all that dirt and coarse ugliness like a pain within me, and the simpering pictures in the drawing-room seemed to me like a wicked attempt to find delight in what is false, while we don't mind how hard the truth is for the neighbors outside our walls. I think we have no right to come forward and urge wider changes for good, until we have tried to alter the evils which lie under our own hands.
The speaker reflects on their background, contrasting the harsh realities of village life with the superficial beauty of the drawing-room art. They criticize the notion of seeking pleasure in art that is disconnected from the difficult truths surrounding them. This internal struggle signifies a deeper moral dilemma regarding the acceptance of beauty when it masks underlying pain and ugliness.
Furthermore, the speaker emphasizes the importance of addressing local issues before advocating for broader societal changes. They argue that individuals should first confront and rectify the evils present in their immediate surroundings, as true progress cannot occur without acknowledging and resolving these foundational problems. This perspective highlights the value of authenticity and responsibility within the community.
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