Page:Gregg - Gandhiism versus socialism.pdf/14

 ments of management. The real control comes from ideas and sentiments—a scheme of values, a set of ideals or activities which people are induced to desire and accept as right, fitting and praiseworthy. The most important adjunct of this control—even more important than organizations—is a set of symbols which indicate and arouse emotions about the given systems of values.

Symbols are necessary tools. We have an infinite number of symbols. Words and numbers, ceremonials of many sorts, gestures and costumes are examples of symbols that are used by every one. A well-known psychologist has said that symbols are stimulators and carriers of emotional and intellectual energy. The use of flags in patriotic assemblies is a good example. Symbols also convey subconscious meanings and associations. They are a kind of inchoate language. And since probably most of our thinking and feeling is subconscious, this language of the subconscious ness is of great importance.

Thus we see that the real control of society is psychological, through men’s minds and feelings. Even where government is maintained partly by the physical force of soldiers and police, the control is psychological, through the fear created by such force.

A new and durable set of values can be created probably only by some great personality living them with immense energy and utter devotion. I believe that Gandhi is such a person and that he is engaged in such a task.

Of all the prevailing schemes of value, the most powerful and widespread is money. The control of financial credit is the invisible government of nations. Money valuation with its implications is the heart of the capitalist system. Two functions of money are important for our dis-