Page:David Atkins - The Economics of Freedom (1924).pdf/211

 The ameliorations offered by the socialist and the single-taxer compete magnificently, so that to choose between these two short-cuts to an earthly paradise—if one is disposed to do so—is exceedingly difficult. In both proposals, however, is involved the relinquishment of individual security which, in the main, has been paid for by thrift or extra-effort, and is believed to be actual, to an ideal state which has not yet qualified to our satisfaction as a competent trustee and whose wisdom and beneficence, even if not dubious, are purely hypothetical.

Human nature being what it incurably is, the legalizing of such plans as these under self-government is not impossible of sudden and disconcerting accomplishment if the apparent inducements are sufficient, since most of us are inclined to take the Reformer’s Annual Seed Catalogue very seriously. A large proportion of the human race—moulded for generations by carefully nurtured conceptions of kingship—subconsciously believes in the intrinsic wisdom and beneficence of the state, as may be learned from those hopeful pilgrims who journey to Washington to have some very obvious injustice set right, and who return despondently after having confronted that colossal pyramid of pigeonholes. In spite of these experiences, which they are disposed to ascribe to their personal misfortune in finding “nobody home,” they still expect from their chosen form of government all the quick decisions and drastic acts of autocracy. They continue to hold to their belief in the wisdom and beneficence of the state much more tenaciously than they believe in the individual or collective wisdom of their neighbors, some of whom they know and tolerate, and others whom they would not suffer in their houses. It should be a sobering reflection that in an emergency we still save ourselves by drawing on the full armory of autocracy, as the aged sinner goes back to his prayers. Democracy, like honesty, is without question the best policy, but unfortunately, it is not always the most immediately profitable practice, as it has been developed under economic misconception.

Alienation of individual wealth for the alleged benefit of all is the most potent rallying cry of the demagogue; but the