Page:Alexander Jonas - Reporter and Socialist (1885).djvu/63

 broadcast for agitating purposes. These slanderers would soon find out that the Socialists more highly appreciate all scientific and artistic endeavors than the average public does. And this is but natural. Any man who is striving for the improvement of the present condition of society is always a lover of the beautiful and of- the advancement of art and science. He will therefore appreciate all intellectual labor. But, of course, the Socialists also know, that at all times the intellectual condition of man has been in close relation to his economic welfare. They know that true art could not flourish any length of time when the masses of the people are suffering and starving, and but a few privileged ones are rolling in luxury, They are aware of this, and they see that in a society of classes science becomes the hired, meretricious tool of the ruling class. For this reason they confidently hope—and from my point of view I declare that they are right—that art and science in a society where want and misery as well as unnerving super-abundance and demoralizing luxury are unknown, and all are well educated, will be more equally enjoyed, and that consequently they will be more highly appreciated than in our present society.

But, how will the representatives of art and science, how will poets, artists, scientists, teachers, lawyers, physicians etc., be rewarded for their labors?

Allow me to tell you, first, that some of these professions will, as far as the number of their representatives is concerned, be considerably reduced. What will be the use of "lawyers" in a society where the question of "mine and thine" will be so clearly defined, and where the principal motive for all so-called crimes, misery and want, is removed? How many physicians will be needed where no one is suffering from want and exposure, where nobody needs overworking himself, where all are living in comfortable homes, and no one will swallow more of the good things of the world than his system can digestwhere gluttony and vice are impossible? But, at any rate, I do not doubt, but that even these professions will be organized in a similar manner as the trades, and that those who devote their time and energy to them will be amply rewarded for their ability and skill. Though not arrogating to