It could occur to someone looking back over the debris of history that many of the calamities befalling peoples and nations originated in persons who had the traits of a destructive character.

He would stumble on this fact one day, perhaps by chance, and the heavier the shock dealt to him, the better his chances of representing

the destructive character of his own time.

The destructive character knows only one watchword, make room, and only one activity, clearing

away.

His delight in tearing down is stronger than any hatred of what others have built up.

Destroying rejuvenates because it clears away the traces of age.

It cheers because everything cleared away means to the destroyer a complete reduction, indeed a rooting out of his own condition.

What contributes most of all to the destroyer's Apollonian image

is the realization of how the world is simplified when tested for its worthiness of destruction.

The clarity that comes from demolition is the great bond embracing and unifying all that exists.

It is a sight that affords the destructive character, a spectacle of deepest harmony.

From that spectacle comes his love of the stage and the exuberant leap of his musketeer.

The destructive character is always blithely at work.

It is nature that dictates his tempo, indirectly at least, for he must forestall her.

Otherwise, she will take over the destruction herself.

No vision inspires the destructive character. He has few needs, and the least of them is to know what will replace what has been destroyed.

First of all, for a moment at least, empty space where the offices of the res publica stood or the victim lived.

Someone is sure to be found who needs this space without its being filled.

Just as the Creator seeks solitude, the destroyer must be constantly surrounded by people, witnesses to his efficacy.

The destructive character is a signal.

As a trigonometric sign is exposed on all sides to the wind, so he is exposed to rumor.

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