Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 15.djvu/851

 REVIEWS 837

factors in a new situation which demands a new national ideal to minimize ruthless exploitation and class conflict. Reformers are hampered by lack of united effort. They are confused by incon- sistent traditional theories, and lack insight into the actual meaning of the rapidly changing order. Reconstruction based upon a "popu- lar sovereignty" which no written constitution can permanently dominate, must create a national power equal to national needs. This power must discriminate constructively in favor of the capable and useful but only on the condition that these are loyal to the national welfare. Effective nationality involves a certain infusion of democracy. England, France, and Germany afford instructive examples of different combinations of aristocracy and democracy. America is committed to the largest proportion of the latter. Nationalization is something more than centralization, and some- thing different. Centralization is necessary for tasks of national scope and to deal with activities organized on a national basis. Governmental centralization is an effect rather than a cause. The states are to be deprived of functions not because they perform them badly but because in the nature of things they cannot perform them effectively. Reconstruction must be positive not negative. To eliminate corruption is not necessarily to secure efficiency. The state governments should be so modified as to fix responsibility and offer scope to able men. Control of corporations and of labor unions, taxation, etc., must all be guided by a constructive national purpose. Education is highly regarded in the United States but the educated are lightly esteemed. The true education aims at discipline, the wise interpretation of experience and disinterested devotion to a worthy cause. The sense of efficiency and pleasure in work must gradually supplant the selfish greed for wealth. America needs freedom of thought, release from the tyranny of mediocrity. Emancipation of the individual means responsibility for leadership. Standards must be raised; technical excellence insisted upon. The leader must make himself interesting and convincing to the masses, and must wage ceaseless warfare against privilege and intellectual insincerity. Thus the many and the few must work together united by a national purpose. "The common citizen can become something of a saint and something of a hero, not by growing to heroic propor- tions in his own person, but by the sincere and enthusiastic imitation of heroes and saints, and whether or not he will ever come to such imitation will depend upon the ability of his exceptional fellow