HUXLEY, Aldous (1894-1963). ALS. Dated 24.12.55. "Dear Mr. Atkins, The thing about Joyce - a page or two only- was written as a preface to a catalogue of Joyce MSS prepared by a dealer called Schwartz. I don't believe I have a copy. In regard to your questions. I was semi-blind during the first world war. I don't think that the pacifist position will ever be generally accepted on religious or ethical grounds - but it may be forced in the world by the logic of Technological advance. Meanwhile the best way to further peace (for a writer) to call attention to the psychological and demographic factors making for war. I do not feel impelled nor am I financially able - to give up writing; nor do I think that writing is in any way compatible with knowledge. "Knowledge", says Lao-tsn, is adding to your stock day by day; the practice of the two is subtracting". The secret of life is to do both- add and subtract-to the limit. I settled in California mainly on account of my wife's health and my own eyesight. The desert (where we lived for some years) was good for her, and the sunshine (and the presence of excellent teachers of Dr. Bates' method) was good for me. I now live in town, have a telephone, see a few friends and do a good deal of work- with increased difficulty, I may add, since my wife's death deprived me of a pair of vicarious eyes. Sincerely, Aldous Huxley".