Page:Anatoly Vasilievich Lunacharsky - Self-Education of the Workers.djvu/7

 and value to society. Education must also give him the theoretical knowledge of the various sciences that are linked with his daily work, the history of his trade, the history of "work," and of production in the several forms of past society. It must tell him what part his special trade plays in the economic evolution of the world, and the best means of increasing the communal production. This knowledge was not needed when the worker was only a machine, producing for others; it is necessary now that he is working for himself and for the free community in which he lives.

After that there must be the "Popular University," which will take the place of secondary education for the present adult worker. In that University there will be lectures, excursions, visits to museums, etc. The cinema, if properly used, can be of great assistance. The Commissary of Education has just opened a credit of six million roubles to assist and prepare educational films. There must be Museums of Social Economy, in order to spread knowledge on social and political questions.

We have called in specialists to assist the Government in preparing "subject catalogues," with short explanatory notes, for all the circulating libraries instituted by the Soviets, and there will be a central buying office to feed all provincial libraries. Art, too, must not be lost sight of in our post-scholastic education. The Commissary of Instruction has formed a musical and a theatrical section, and one also for decorative art; these will work jointly to assist the workers in their efforts towards mental improvement. The theatrical section will shortly put within the reach of all the plays of Romain Rolland.

We are also-doing our utmost, continued Comrade Oulianov, to open Peoples' Halls, to take the place of the churches of the old régime. Above all, she said in conclusion, all these forms of technical, scientific, and artistic activity, to be truly popular in their character, must be moved by popular enthusiasm and carriecl out by the workers themselves, under their direct control. He only can be educated who works to educate himself.