Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 3.djvu/253

 SOCIAL CONTROL 239

tops others, not only by virtue of his stature, but as well by whatever he stands on. The hero may be lifted up by his skill at arms, his sagacity, his hoard of experience, his talents, gifts, accomplishments. Outside the heroes of religion, the charm of pure personality is rarely seen in history, so much is it confused with a boundless admiration extorted by distinction and achieve- ment. Who can separate Ulysses from his craft, Richard from his exploits, Saladin from his skill, Johnson from his intellect, Bismarck from his success, and say how much is due to the per- sonality itself?

Moreover, when we pass from the heroes to the numerous captains and governors of men we must take account of still other factors. Society is ever arranging itself in ranks with reference to race, caste, family, wealth, condition, and so forth. To the Hindu the European, to the Sudra the Brahmin, to the plebeian the patrician, to the tenant the lord, to the soldier the officer is invested with elements of prestige that have awe- inspiring, obedience-compelling power.

III.

Let us observe the role of personality in the history of con- trol.

We find that in primitive societies headship, ere it becomes the sacred right of a family, is held as a matter of course by the exceptional man. Among the Khonds " the spirit of attach- ment to persons rather than to institutions is very powerfully developed." "The patriarch depends for obedience to his deci- sions entirely upon his personal influence." The homage of the Ostiaks to their chief "is voluntary and founded on personal respect." The Damaras "court slavery," and "follow a master as spaniels would." "Their hero worship is directed to people who have wit and strength enough to ill-use them." Among the Bedouins the sheik must "maintain his influence by the means which wealth, talents, courage, and noble birth afford." "The tribes never obey their sheiks unless for personal considerations." Among the Franks "the personal element is, speaking generally,