The Forgotten Man, and Other EssaysSumner, William Graham
Science
The Forgotten Man, and Other Essays
Sumner, William Graham
Economics; Social sciences
We have now acquired the method of studying sociology scientifically so
as to attain to assured results. We have acquired it none too soon. The
need for a science of life in society is urgent, and it is increasing
every year. It is a fact which is generally overlooked that the great
advance in the sciences and the arts which has taken place during
the last century is producing social consequences and giving rise to
social problems. We are accustomed to dwell upon the discoveries of
science and the development of the arts as simple incidents, complete
in themselves, which offer only grounds for congratulation. But the
steps which have been won are by no means simple events. Each one
has consequences which reach beyond the domain of physical power
into social and moral relations, and these effects are multiplied
and reproduced by combination with each other. The great discoveries
and inventions redistribute population. They reconstruct industries
and force new organization of commerce and finance. They bring new
employments into existence and render other employments obsolete,
while they change the relative value of many others. They overthrow
the old order of society, impoverishing some classes and enriching
others. They render old political traditions grotesque and ridiculous,
and make old maxims of statecraft null and empty. They give old vices
of human nature a chance to parade in new masks, so that it demands
new skill to detect the same old foes. They produce a kind of social
chaos in which contradictory social and economic phenomena appear side
by side to bewilder and deceive the student who is not fully armed
to deal with them. New interests are brought into existence, and new
faiths, ideas, and hopes, are engendered in the minds of men. Some of
these are doubtless good and sound; others are delusive; in every case
a competent criticism is of the first necessity. In the upheaval of
society which is going on, classes and groups are thrown against each
other in such a way as to produce class hatreds and hostilities. As
the old national jealousies, which used to be the lines on which war
was waged, lose their distinctness, class jealousies threaten to take
their place. Political and social events which occur on one side of the
globe now affect the interests of population on the other side of the
globe. Forces which come into action in one part of human society rest
not until they have reached all human society. The brotherhood of man
is coming to be a reality of such distinct and positive character that
we find it a practical question of the greatest moment what kind of
creatures some of these hitherto neglected brethren are. Secondary and
remoter effects of industrial changes, which were formerly dissipated
and lost in the delay and friction of communication, are now, by
our prompt and delicate mechanism of communication, caught up and
transmitted through society.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account