As a whole, even the initiative powers of Brook Farm have, as is found
almost everywhere, the design of a life much too objective, too much
derived from objects in the exterior world. The subjective life, that
in which the soul finds the living source and the true communion within
itself, is not sufficiently prevalent to impart to the establishment
the permanent and sedate character it should enjoy. Undeniably, many
devoted individuals are there; several who have, as generously as
wisely, relinquished what are considered great social and pecuniary
advantages, and, by throwing their skill and energies into a course of
the most ordinary labors, at once prove their disinterestedness, and
lay the foundation for industrial nobility.
An assemblage of persons, not brought together by the principles of
community, will necessarily be subject to many of the inconveniences of
ordinary life, as well as to burdens peculiar to such a condition. Now
Brook Farm is at present such an institution. It is not a community; it
is not truly an association; it is merely an aggregation of persons,
and lacks that oneness of spirit, which is probably needful to make it
of deep and lasting value to mankind. It seems, after three years'
continuance, uncertain whether it is to be resolved more into an
educational or an industrial institution, or into one combined of both.
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