Robert E. Howard and Materialism

[Ancient History]

In December 1930, H. P. Lovecraft sent a letter to Robert E. Howard, and also enclosed a "philosophical article" by HPL—which one, exactly, isn't named and the letter is no longer extant, but from Howard's response it seems very likely that it was "Idealism and Materialism." Howard's response:

Quote

And I enjoyed your philosophical article very much. I am hardly capable of judging it, since I never devoted any study to theology, philosophy or science, but I do not think that anyone could have handled the subject in a more masterly manner. I particularly like the point you made in that truth and necessity not always coinciding, some religion is necessary for the masses. I have always maintained this, myself. As for myself, neither idealism nor materialism appeals to me greatly. That life is chaotic, unjust and apparently blind and without reason or direction any one can see; if the universe leans either way it is toward evil rather than good, as regards life and humanity. That there is any eventual goal for the human race rather than extinction, I do not believe nor do I have any faith in the eventual super-man. Yet the trend of so many materialists to suppress all primitive emotions is against my every instinct. Civilization, no doubt, requires it, and peace of mind demands it, yet for myself I had rather be dead than to live in an emotionless world. The clear white lap of science and the passionless pursuit of knowledge are not enough for me; I must live deeply and listen to the all of the common clay in me, if I am to live at all. Without emotion and instinct I would be a dead, stagnant thing. A materialistic resignation to unalterable laws is sensible but repellent to me. I will freely admit the necessity and desirability of such a resignation which is no more than recognizing natural laws—if such things be. A man who does not resign himself is like a caged wolf who breaks his heart and beats his brains out against the bars of his cage. Yet I must admit that such a course appeals to me more than that of calm submission. Foredoomed to failure, a man can still snarl and tear. Many and many a time, when one is reeling and dizzy and sick at heart and soul, broken and tossed by the blows of fate or destiny or whatever is is that makes life a hell on earth, one may wish for the ability of philosophic resignation; but with a slight renewal of strength the old blind fighting lust comes surging back and makes him break his fangs on the iron bars anew. I'm no philosopher, but resignation isnt in my blood. I wish it was. It isn't necessarily a hope to win that makes a man rebel against the infamies of life, vainly. Defeat is the lot of all men, and I come of a breed that never won a war. Men and women too, of my line have fought for hopeless lost causes for a thousand years. Defeat waits for us all, but some of us, worse luck, cant accept it quietly.

—Robert E. Howard to H. P. Lovecraft, Dec 1930, A Means to Freedom: The Letters of H. P. Lovecraft and Robert E. Howard 1.112-113