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and out of fear cruelty is almost inevitably developed。 But a social system
providing for a more just distribution of material goods might close to the
instinct of competitiveness those channels in which it is harmful； and
cause it to flow instead in channels in which it would become a benefit to
mankind。 This is one great reason why the communal ownership of land
and capital would be likely to have a beneficial effect upon human nature；
for human nature； as it exists in adult men and women； is by no means a
fixed datum； but a product of circumstances； education and opportunity
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operating upon a highly malleable native disposition。
What is true of competitiveness is equally true of love of power。 Power；
in the form in which it is now usually sought； is power of command；
power of imposing one's will upon others by force； open or concealed。
This form of power consists； in essence； in thwarting others； for it is only
displayed when others are compelled to do what they do not wish to do。
Such power； we hope； the social system which is to supersede capitalist
will reduce to a minimum by the methods which we outlined in the
preceding chapter。 These methods can be applied in international no less
than in national affairs。 In international affairs the same formula of
federalism will apply： self… determination for every group in regard to
matters which concern it much more vitally than they concern others； and
government by a neutral authority embracing rival groups in all matters in
which conflicting interests of groups come into play； lout always with the
fixed principle that the functions of government are to be reduced to the
bare minimum compatible with justice and the prevention of private
violence。 In such a world the present harmful outlets for the love of power
would be closed。 But the power which consists in persuasion； in teaching；
in leading men to a new wisdom or the realization of new possibilities of
happinessthis kind of power； which may be wholly beneficial； would
remain untouched； and many vigorous men； who in the actual world
devote their energies to domination； would in such a world find their
energies directed to the creation of new goods rather than the perpetuation
of ancient evils。
Envy； the third of the psychological causes to which we attributed
what is bad in the actual world； depends in most natures upon that kind of
fundamental discontent which springs from a lack of free development；
from thwarted instinct； and from the impossibility of realizing an imagined
happiness。 Envy cannot be cured by preaching； preaching； at the best； will
only alter its manifestations and lead it to adopt more subtle forms of
concealment。 Except in those rare natures in which generosity dominates
in spite of circumstances； the only cure for envy is freedom and the joy of
life。 From populations largely deprived of the simple instinctive pleasures
of leisure and love； sunshine and green fields； generosity of outlook and
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kindliness of dispositions are hardly to be expected。 In such populations
these qualities are not likely to be found； even among the fortunate few；
for these few are aware； however dimly； that they are profiting by an
injustice； and that they can only continue to enjoy their good fortune by
deliberately ignoring those with whom it is not shared。 If generosity and
kindliness are to be common； there must be more care than there is at
present for the elementary wants of human nature； and more realization
that the diffusion of happiness among all who are not the victims of some
peculiar misfortune is both possible and imperative。 A world full of
happiness would not wish to plunge into war； and would not be filled with
that grudging hostility which our cramped and narrow existence forces
upon average human nature。 A world full of happiness is not beyond
human power to create； the obstacles imposed by inanimate nature are not
insuperable。 The real obstacles lie in the heart of man； and the cure for
these is a firm hope； informed and fortified by thought。
CHAPTER VII
SCIENCE AND ART UNDER SOCIALISM
SOCIALISM has been advocated by most of its champions chiefly as
a means of increasing the welfare of the wage earning classes； and more
particularly their material welfare。 It has seemed accordingly； to some men
whose aims are not material； as if it has nothing to offer toward the general
advancement of civilization in the way of art and thought。 Some of its
advocates； moreoverand among these Marx must be includedhave
written； no doubt not deliberately； as if with the Socialist revolution the
millennium would have arrived； and there would be no need of further
progress for the human race。 I do not know whether our age is more
restless than that which preceded it； or whether it has merely become more
impregnated with the idea of evolution； but； for whatever reason； we have
grown incapable of believing in a state of static perfection； and we
demand； of any social system； which is to have our approval； that it shall
contain within itself a stimulus and opportunity for progress toward
something still better。 The doubts thus raised by Socialist writers make it
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necessary to inquire whether Socialism would in fact be hostile to art and
science； and whether it would be likely to produce a stereotyped society in
which progress would become difficult and slow。
It is not enough that men and women should be made comfortable in a
material sense。 Many members of the well…to…do classes at present； in spite
of opportunity； contribute nothing of value to the life of the world； and do
not even succeed in securing for themselves any personal happiness
worthy to be so called。 The multiplication of such individuals would be an
achievement of the very minutest value； and i