The Camel and the Needle’s Eye Spiritual Perfection A Dialogue By Thomas Clune (Arthur Ponsonby) _Fscap. 8vo. 1s. nett. Post-free 1s. 2d._ “There is sound reasoning and deep thought in this book.”--_Dundee Advertiser._ “A thoughtful dialogue.”--_The Times._ “No one can read it without gaining a broader outlook on the truths of religion.”--_Methodist Times._ “Many of the religious problems and difficulties always cropping up are skilfully and earnestly considered.”--_Aberdeen Journal._ LONDON: A. C. FIFIELD The Camel and the Needle’s Eye By Arthur Ponsonby, M.P. _Published December, 1909_ _Reprinted January, 1910_ _Reprinted October, 1910_ London A. C. Fifield, 13 Clifford’s Inn, E.C. 1910 WILLIAM BRENDON AND SON, LTD. PRINTERS, PLYMOUTH TO MY WIFE Contents Preface Chapter I Extreme poverty a consequence of extreme wealth--Pity or contempt for the poor--Money ideal strong among the poor-- The different phases in making a fortune--The general tendency of society--Relations between rich and poor-- Dis-sympathy and class hatred--The social problem 11 Chapter II Money as a supreme concern--Intensity of belief in money-- Definition of Contention--The impulses which act as the motive power of money-making--The limitation of human capacities--Money and happiness--Money as responsibility--The national wealth and welfare 27 Chapter III Definition of the limit--Those whose means are above the limit--Income translated into terms of subsistence--The case of the rich man--His establishments--His servants-- His luxuries--Extravagance--Vanity--Sport--Racing-- Yachting--Condemnation of excess 43 Chapter IV The rich man’s charities--His generosity--His hospitality-- His land--The Feudal System--His responsibilities--The agricultural problem 71 Chapter V The rich man’s children--His sons’ education at school and university--His daughters--Love and marriage--Refinement of the aristocracy--Their alliance with the plutocracy-- Smart society--Its general characteristics 85 Chapter VI The rich man as a business man--The conduct of a successful business--Money-making the incentive--Money no measure of merit or worth in men--Or in works of art--Financiers-- The power of money--Imperialism--Political power-- Experiments of millionaires--Gifts--Money administered by corporations or the State 101 Chapter VII