The third condition is the full and unconditional recognition of the right of association,—the only proviso being that no association shall have private or occult or undeclared purposes. A strong tendency to the formation of social groups of various kinds, political, cultural, religious, recreational, should be hailed as a sign of life in the community. And even if the association be formed for the promulgation of the view of a dissenting minority, it should be as frankly encouraged as any other. For no view ever gains a considerable following which does not embody some fact or truth of experience which is necessary to the wholeness of life. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Chapter VIII. A DEMOCRATIC WORLD.[44] “We believe in association—which is but the reduction to action of our faith in one sole God, and one sole law, and one sole aim—as the only means we possess of realising the truth; as the method of progress; the path leading towards perfection. The highest possible degree of human progress will correspond to the discovery and application of the vastest formula of association. We believe, therefore, in the Holy Alliance of the Peoples as the vastest formula of association possible in our epoch;—in the _liberty_ and _equality_ of the peoples without which no true association can exist; in _nationality_, which is the _conscience_ of the peoples, and which, by assigning to them their part in the work of association, their function in humanity, constitutes their mission upon earth, that is to say, their _individuality_, without which neither liberty nor equality is possible; in the sacred _Fatherland_, cradle of nationality, altar and worship of the individuals of which each people is composed. * * * * * And, as we believe in humanity as the sole interpreter of the law of God, so do we believe in the people of every state as the sole master, sole sovereign, and sole interpreter of the law of humanity, which governs every national mission. We believe in the people, one and indivisible, recognising neither castes nor privileges, neither _proletariat_ nor _aristocracy_, whether landed or financial; but simply an aggregate of faculties and forces consecrated to the well-being of all, to the administration of the common substance and possession, the terrestrial globe.”— Mazzini. Footnote 44: