Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 10.djvu/773

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American social process, and not to be omitted from any true account of it. Forces of evil are sometimes referred to as anti- social. That phrase misleads whenever, as has sometimes been the case, it conveys the impression that evil and forces of evil are not " social " phenomena, as well as good and the forces of good. Even the forces of good have in great measure been directed to their effect by no foresight and intention. The cumulative result of human progress or decline has in great part been due to the countless human interactions that have leaped forth with no judg- ment passed upon the motive and no calculation of the result. For example, the expressions that make up what we call uncon- scious influence, which create the social atmosphere, and mold the consciences of those who live in it, the panic that puts an army to rout, the courageous bearing that helps to save the day, the epidemic of crime, the waves of religious enthusiasm or of patriotism that sometimes sweep over a people all these scantily illustrate the class of socially significant actions that are unin- tended; though when they exist on a great scale they are likely to become mixed with calculation.

Not only are unintended actions of great social significance, but still more significant are the unintended effects that issue from even the most deliberate deeds. Spencer remarks that the indirect and unforeseen results of social action are often, if not usually, more important than those intended. He applies the remark to the thoroughly considered enactments by which states- men seek to influence social progress. How much more far- reaching is the truth when applied to the deeds of the millions who design no far-reaching effects, but whose numberless activi- ties are in fact incomparably more effective in determining the character of social growth than all the enactments of legislatures ! Our knowledge of social causation has been so limited that the best-intended acts might unwittingly open a Pandora's box, while also beneficient consequences sometimes flow from follies, and even from sins. Lawmakers and agitators, clear of purpose but dim in their views of the social process, fail of their aims, but sometimes reach good that was not intended. And vastly more