the altruist in politics(政坛上的利他主义者)-第2章
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left for them to find； in their blind obedience and passive submission； the
recompense for the singleness of character； the foresight； and the energy；
that they have left behind them。
In almost every phase of life； this doctrine of political altruists is
equally impracticable and pernicious。 In its social results； it involves the
substitution of the community in the family's present position。 In its
political aspects； it involves the absolute dominion of the State over the
actions and property of its subjects。 Thus； though claiming to be an
exaltation of the so…called natural rights of liberty and equality； it is in
reality their emphatic debasement。 It teaches that thoughtless docility is
a recompense for stunted enterprise。 It magnifies material good at the
cost of every rational endowment。 It inculcates a self…denial that must
result in dwarfing the individual to a mere instrument in the hands of the
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〃The Altruist in Politics〃
State for the benefit of his fellows。 No such organization of society…no
organization that fails to take note of the fact that man must have scope for
the exercise and development of his faculties…no such organization of
society can ever reach a permanent success。 However beneficent its
motives； the hypothesis with which it starts can never be realized。 The
aphorism of Emerson； 〃Churches have been built； not upon principles； but
upon tropes；〃 is as true in the field of politics as it is in the field of religion。
In a like figurative spirit； the followers of communism have reared their
edifice； and； looking back upon the finished structure； seeking to discern
the base on which it rests； the critic finds； not principles； but tropes。 The
builders have appealed to a future that has no warrant in the past； and
fixing their gaze upon the distant dreamland； captivated by the vision there
beheld； entranced by its ideal effulgence； their eyes were blinded to the
real conditions of the human problem they had set before them。 Their
enemies have not been slow to note such weakness and mistake； and
perhaps it may serve to clear up misconceptions； perhaps it may serve to
lessen cant and open the way for fresh and vigorous thought； if we shall
once convince ourselves that altruism cannot be the rule of life； that its
logical result is the dwarfing of the individual man； and that not by the
death of human personality can we hope to banish the evils of our day； and
to realize the ideal of all existence； a nobler or purer life。
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