Sesame and Lilies Lecture I - Of Kings' Treasuries, Part 4

In which John Ruskin meditates upon the vital importance of sensation as the noblest distinction of humanity, cautioning against the dullness and callousness that breed vulgarity and injustice in both individuals and nations. He proceeds to lament the English nation’s neglect of literature and science, illustrating a society distracted by trivialities and avarice, yet still holding a flicker of noble passion that may yet be disciplined and directed towards true honour.