They have taken everything away from life that to wise men hitherto has seemed to redeem it from vanity.

They have to prove to us that they have not left it vain.

They have to prove those things to be solid that have hitherto been thought hollow; those things to be serious that have hitherto been thought contemptible.

They must prove to us that we shall be contented with what has never yet contented us, and that the widest minds will thrive within limits that have hitherto been thought too narrow for the narrowest.
Now, of course, so far as we can tell without examining the matter, they may be able to accomplish this revolution.

There is nothing on the face of it that is impossible.