THE INDUSTRIAL TYPE OF SOCIETY

The traits of the industrial type of society are so hidden by those of

the still dominant militant type that its nature is nowhere more than

very partially exemplified. The industrial type is distinguished from

the militant type as being not both positively regulated and negatively

regulated, but as being negatively regulated only. To the member of the

industrial community authority says "Thou shalt not," and not "Thou

shalt." On turning to the civilised to observe the form of individual

character which accompanies the industrial form of society, we encounter

the difficulty that the personal traits proper to industrialism are,

like the social traits, mingled with those proper to militancy.

Nevertheless, on contrasting the characters of our ancestors during more

warlike periods with our own characters, we see that, with an increasing

ratio of industrialism to militancy, have come a growing independence, a

less marked loyalty, a smaller faith in governments, and a more

qualified patriotism; and while there has been shown a strengthening

assertion of individuality there has accompanied it a growing respect

for the individualities of others, as is implied by the diminution of

aggressions upon them, and the multiplication of efforts for their

welfare. It seems needful to explain that it is not so much that a

social life passed in peaceful occupations is positively moralising, as

that a social life passed in war is positively demoralising. The

sacrifice of others to self is in the one incidental only; while in the

other it is necessary.

The World's Greatest Books — Volume 14 — Philosophy and Economics · 第 59 / 96 题