THE WORKING MEN'S COLLEGE (1854-1855) Philanthropic instincts, and a growing sense of the necessity for social reform, had led Ruskin for some years past towards a group of liberal thinkers with whom he had little otherwise in common.

At Venice, in 1852, he had written several articles on education, taxation, and so forth, with which he intended to plunge into active politics.

His father, like a cautious man of business who knew his son's powers and thought he knew their limitations, was strongly opposed to this attempt, and used every argument against it.

He appealed to his son's sensitiveness, and assured him that he would be "flayed" unless he wrapped himself in the hide of a rhinoceros.

He assured him that, without being on the spot to follow the discussions of politicians, it was useless to offer them any opinions whatsoever.