KISMET.
KISMET.
"Verily I say unto you. That there be some of them that stand here which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power." Mark, ix, 1.
The very close analogy between primitive Christianity and Modern Socialism has often been pointed out both by materialists, such as Enrico Ferri, and by Churchmen, such as the Reverend Doctor Hall.
We find in both the doctrine of the Advent. The primitive Christian believed in all simplicity and sincerity that he should not taste death until the Son of Man had come and established upon earth His kingdom of justice, peace and brotherhood. The Marxian Socialist to-day is even more sure that men and women now living will bear a part in the Social Revolution which is to usher in the reign of Fellowship on earth. The secret of the propaganda power of both movements is in the sincerity of this conviction.
Just at this point we are often met with two queries, both of which bear witness to the persistence of the utopian tadpole tails of the questioners. The first question is: If the early Christians were sincere and yet mistaken, may not the Socialists also be mistaken in their doctrine of the inevitability of Socialism? The second question is: If Socialism is inevitable—is coming anyhow—why do you Socialists vex your souls agitating for it?
The doubt of the inevitability of Socialism on analysis is always found to be a doubt of the pro-socialist desires and actions of the Proletariat. No one disputes that the Capitalist system is breaking down. With the great mass of the producers receiving bare subsistence wages the impossibility of disposing of the almost miraculously stupendous product of modern machines and processes is mathematically demonstrable. The former paradox of the Socialist agitator, that the Utopian is the man who believes in the possibility of the continuance of the present system, has become a platitude. Nor can many be found to dispute the statement that the centralization of industry in the United States has reached a point where Socialism is economically entirely practicable. The doubt of the sceptics is: Will the workers create, in the language of economics, an effective demand for Socialism? Two eminent Utopians have voiced this doubt in the recent past. Their names are George D. Herron and Daniel DeLeon. Both alike forget that the desires, ideals, and motives of the proletariat cannot but be in harmony with their economic environment, and I do not think that either of them would deny that, as we near the downfall of Capitalism, the economic environment will more and more imperatively drive men to Socialism as the only avenue of escape from chaos and pessimism. On this point, of the motives to action of the individual being formed by economic conditions, Marx wrote in "The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte": "On the various forms of property, on the conditions of social existence, there rises an entire superstructure of various and peculiarly formed sensations, illusions, methods of thought and views of life. The whole class fashions and moulds them from out of their material foundations and their corresponding social relations. The single individual, in whom they converge through tradition and education, is apt to imagine that they constitute the real determining causes and the point of departure of his action." (Prof. Seligman's translation.)
The man who has thoroughly assimilated the doctrine of historical materialism cannot for a moment doubt the inevitability of Socialism. The utopianism which evinces itself in this doubt may be depended upon to betray itself elsewhere in the views of the doubters. We find that this is signally true in the case of the two illustrious utopian sceptics I have mentioned. The Natural Rights platform that Professor Herron wrote and the Socialist Party adopted in 1904 is only less utopian than Daniel DeLeon's curiously childish conceit that in the highly factitious, "wheel of fortune" form of organization of the Industrial Workers of the World[40] we have the precise frame-work of the coming Co-operative Commonwealth.
It does not seem too much to say that doubt of the inevitability of Socialism is in all cases a symptom of failure to apprehend clearly the full implications of the Materialist Conception of History.
The second question, If Socialism is inevitable, why do Socialists work to bring it about?, would appear to have been answered by implication in the course of our discussion of the first question. In brief, we work for it because we know that if we did not it would never come. It is inevitable simply because Socialists are inevitable. Our activity as Socialist agitators is a necessary result of the development of capitalist industry just as much as the Trust is. Again, we work for Socialism because we know we can get it, and we work all the harder if we believe it is coming soon. One of the most active of our wealthy socialists has said: "If I had to be in 'the hundred year, step at a time, take-what-you-can-get' class, you would find me automobiling my life away down at Newport with Reggie Vanderbilt instead of editing this magazine.... As said, I would rather chase down the pike on my Red Dragon at 'steen hundred miles an hour, terrifying the farmers, than go in for any 'reform game'." (Gaylord Wilshire in Wilshire Editorials. New York, 1907. Pages 232, 233.) So we find that in practice the belief in the inevitability and the proximity of Socialism is the most powerful stimulus to socialist activity.
We believe that the doctrine of the inevitability of Socialism is scientifically true, that its proclamation is the most effective weapon in the arsenal of the Socialist agitator, and that it is the most powerful incentive to Socialist activity; so that we mean exactly what the words imply when we address our non-socialist friends in the words of William Morris:
"Come, join in the only battle wherein no man can fail,
Where whoso fadeth and dieth, yet his deed shall still prevail."
FOOTNOTE:
[40] I trust that no one will construe this as an attack on the Industrial Workers of the World. It is not my intention to express in this place any opinion as to the merits or demerits of that organization. It is only mentioned here because mention of it was necessary to illustrate the most curious case I know of the abnormally prolonged retention of the utopian tadpole tail.
ADVERTISEMENTS
STANDARD SOCIALIST SERIES.
This series of books, the first volumes of which were issued in 1901, contains some of the most important works by the ablest Socialist writers of Europe and America. The size of page is 6¾ by 4¼ inches, making a convenient shape either for the pocket or the library shelf. The books are substantially bound in cloth, stamped with a uniform design, and are mechanically equal to many of the books sold by other publishers at a dollar a copy. Our retail price, postage included, is FIFTY CENTS.
1. Karl Marx: Biographical Memoirs. By Wilhelm Liebknecht, translated by Ernest Untermann. Cloth, 50 cents.
This personal biography of Marx, by an intimate friend who was himself one of the foremost Socialists of Germany, gives a new insight into the beginnings of Socialism. Moreover, it is a charming book, as interesting as a novel, and will make an admirable introduction to heavier reading on Socialism.
2. Collectivism and Industrial Evolution. By Emile Vandervelde, member of the Chamber of Deputies, Belgium. Translated by Charles H. Kerr. Cloth, 50 cents.
The author is a Socialist member of the Belgian Parliament and is one of the ablest writers in the international Socialist movement. This book is, on the whole, the most satisfactory brief summary of the principles of Socialism that has yet been written. One distinctive feature of it is that it takes up the difficult questions of how the machinery of production could be acquired and how wages could be adjusted under a Socialist administration.
3. The American Farmer: An Economic and Historical Study. By A. M. Simons. Cloth, 50 cents.
"The American Farmer," in spite of its small size, is the largest contribution yet given to the agrarian literature of this country. The author, besides being a student of American social conditions, is thoroughly conversant with practical farming, and there is little doubt that the farmer who reads the work will have to admit that the conclusions are based on a real understanding of the difficulties of his struggle with the soil, with railroads, trusts and foreign competitors.—Chicago Tribune.
4. The Last Days of the Ruskin Co-operative Association. By Isaac Broome. Cloth, illustrated, 50 cents.
Socialism does not mean withdrawing from the class struggle and trying to set up a paradise on a small scale. If there are those who still think such a scheme practicable, they will find interesting facts in this book.
5. The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State. By Frederick Engels. Translated by Ernest Untermann. Cloth, 50 cents.
This is one of the most important of the author's works, and although first published in 1884, was never accessible to English readers until our translation appeared in 1902. It contains practically everything necessary to the general reader in the voluminous work of Morgan, and it furthermore gives many additional facts and a coherent, scientific treatment of the whole subject. The book is of great propaganda value, in that it shows the folly of the popular idea that wealth and poverty always have existed and so may always be expected to continue.
6. The Social Revolution. By Karl Kautsky. Translated by A. M. and May Wood Simons. Cloth, 50 cents.
Kautsky is the editor of the Neue Zeit, and is universally recognized as one of the ablest Socialist writers and thinkers in Europe. This book is in two parts. Part I., Reform and Revolution, explains the essential difference between the Socialist party and all reform parties. Part II., The Day After the Revolution, gives straightforward answers to the questions so often asked about what the Socialists would do if entrusted with the powers of government.
7. Socialism, Utopian and Scientific. By Frederick Engels. Translated by Edward Aveling, D.Sc., with a Special Introduction by the Author. Cloth, 50 cents.
This book ranks next to the Communist Manifesto as one of the best short statements in any language of the fundamental principles of Socialism. It is an essential part of every Socialist library, however small.
8. Feuerbach: The Roots of the Socialist Philosophy. By Frederick Engels. Translated, with Critical Introduction, by Austin Lewis. Cloth, 50 cents.
This book is a criticism on the works of a forgotten philosopher, but it is still of timely interest, since attempts are still being made to reintroduce dualist notions into the philosophy of Socialism. Austin Lewis contributes an interesting historical introduction.
9. American Pauperism and the Abolition of Poverty. By Isador Ladoff, with a supplement, "Jesus or Mammon," by J. Felix. Cloth, 50 cents.
A study of the last United States census, bringing out in bold relief the social contrasts that are purposely left obscure in the official documents. An arsenal of facts for Socialist writers and speakers.
10. Britain for the British (America for the Americans.) By Robert Blatchford, with American Appendix by A. M. Simons. Cloth, 50 cents.
A popular presentation of Socialism, in the same charming and simple style as the author's "Merrie England," but giving a far more adequate and scientific account of the subject.
11. Manifesto of the Communist Party. By Karl Marx and Frederick Engels. Authorized English Translation: Edited and Annotated by Frederick Engels. Also included in the same volume, No Compromise: No Political Trading. By Wilhelm Liebknecht. Translated by A. M. Simons and Marcus Hitch. Cloth, 50 cents.
This manifesto, first published in 1848, is still recognized the world over as the clearest statement of the principles of the international Socialist party. It has been translated into the language of every country where capitalism exists, and it is being circulated more rapidly to-day than ever before.
12. The Positive School of Criminology. By Enrico Ferri. Translated by Ernest Untermann. Cloth, 50 cents.
The science of criminology has been revolutionized within one generation by the Socialist students of Italy, of whom Ferri is the most prominent living representative. This book is indispensable to any one desiring reliable information on the modern theory of crime and its treatment.
13. The World's Revolutions. By Ernest Untermann. Cloth, 50 cents.
A study of the economic causes of the great revolutions of the world's history in the light of the Socialist principle of historical materialism.
14. The Socialists, Who They Are and What They Seek to Accomplish. By John Spargo. Cloth, 50 cents.
Scientific yet readable and easy; written in a style that the man in the street will understand and the man in the university will admire. Just the book to start a new reader.
15. Social and Philosophical Studies. By Paul Lafargue. Translated by Charles H. Kerr. In Preparation.
This book will contain two studies entirely new to American readers, "Causes of Belief in God," and "The Origin of Abstract Ideas." It will also contain several studies reprinted from the International Socialist Review. Lafargue's brilliant style makes even the most abstract subjects delightful.
LIBRARY OF SCIENCE FOR THE WORKERS.
Modern International Socialism is directly related to modern science. It is in a sense the evolution theory applied to the facts of society. It, therefore, follows that for a full understanding of socialism some general knowledge of the facts of modern science is necessary.
A new series of books has lately appeared in Germany which give in simple and popular form complete proofs of the evolution theory along with a clear account of the latest applications of this theory in the various fields of modern science. We have arranged to translate and publish some of the best of these, along with such original works in the same line as are available. They are uniform in size with the Standard Socialist Series.
1. The Evolution of Man. By Wilhelm Boelsche. Translated by Ernest Untermann. Cloth, 50 cents.
"The Evolution of Man" tells in full detail, in a clear, simple style, illustrated by pictures, just how the descent of man can be traced back through monkeys, marsupials, amphibians, fishes, worms and lower forms of life, down to the animals composed each of a single cell. Moreover, it proves that there is no such fixed line as was formerly thought to exist between the organic and the inorganic, but that the same life-force molds the crystal that molds the cell. It is not only simple; it is up-to-date and gives the latest discoveries in science. It is the book on the subject.
2. Germs of Mind in Plants. By R. H. Francé. Translated by A. M. Simons. Cloth, illustrated, 50 cents.
A cardinal point in the philosophical systems favored by the ruling classes is that the mind of man is something unique in the universe, governed by laws of its own that have no particular connection with physical laws. Modern science has proved that not only animals, but also plants, receive impressions from the outside world and use the data thus obtained to modify their movements for their own advantage, exactly as human beings do. These facts are told in this book in so charming and entertaining a style that the reader is carried along and does not realize until later the revolutionary significance of the facts.
3. The End of the World. By Dr. M. Wilhelm Meyer. Translated by Margaret Wagner. Cloth, illustrated, 50 cents.
This book answers in the light of the discovery of modern science the questions frequently asked as to the probable end of human life on this planet. Moreover, it goes a step further in making clear the relations of man's life to the universe life. We have already seen that "mind" is but another form of "life." Dr. Meyer shows that not only animals and plants but even worlds and suns have their birth, growth, maturity, reproduction, decay and death, and that death is but the preparation for a new cycle of life.
4. Science and Revolution: A Historical Study of the Evolution of the Theory of Evolution. By Ernest Untermann. Cloth, 50 cents.
A history of the evolution of the theory of evolution, from the earliest scientific writings that have been preserved, those of the Greek philosophers, down to the present time. The author shows how the ruling classes, living on the labor of others, have always supported some form of theology or mysticism, while the working classes have developed the theory of evolution, which is rounded out to its logical completion by the work of Marx, Engels and Dietzgen. The author frankly recognizes that no writer can avoid being influenced by his class environment, and he himself speaks distinctly as a proletarian and a Socialist. "Science and Revolution" is an essential link in the chain of evidence proving that conclusions drawn by Socialists from the facts of science.
5. The Triumph of Life. By Wilhelm Boelsche. Translated by May Wood Simons. Cloth, 50 cents.
The German critics agree that this book is even more interesting than "The Evolution of Man," by the same author. It tells of the struggle of life against its physical environment, and introduces a wealth of scientific detail charming set forth. The German original contains no illustrations, but our edition is fully illustrated with pictures that aid materially in an understanding of the text.
6. Life and Death, a Chapter from the Science of Life. By Dr. E. Teichmann. Translated by A. M. Simons. Cloth, 50 cents.
A study of how life begins and how it ends. It does not duplicate any other book in this series, but is a special investigation into the laws which govern the reproduction of life. It also deals with the methods by which the life of each separate individual is brought to an end, and shows that in an overwhelming majority of cases throughout the whole animal kingdom death is violent rather than "natural." Even among human beings a really "natural" death is rare. The author suggests that with improved conditions of living, most premature deaths may be prevented, and that in that event the fear of death, which causes so much of the misery of the world, may disappear.
7. The Making of the World. By Dr. M. Wilhelm Meyer. Translated by Ernest Untermann. Cloth, 50 cents.
This is a companion volume to "The End of the World," and traces the processes through which new suns and new worlds come into being to take the place of those that have grown old and died. It is an essential link in the chain of evidence proving that the human mind is not something apart from nature but only another manifestation of the one force that pervades all "matter." The book has twenty-four illustrations, for the most part reproductions of telescopic photographs, which make the truth of the statements in the book evident to every reader.
THE INTERNATIONAL LIBRARY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE.
This new library, the first volume of which appeared in January, 1906, contains in substantial and artistic cloth binding some of the most important works on socialism and kindred subjects that have ever been offered in the English language. While our price has been fixed at a dollar a volume, most of the books in the library are equal to the sociological books sold by other publishers at from $1.50 to $2.00.
1. The Changing Order. A Study of Democracy. By Oscar Lovell Triggs, Ph.D. Cloth, $1.00.
Dr. Triggs was a prominent professor in the University of Chicago, but he taught too much truth for Standard Oil, and is no longer a professor in the University of Chicago. This book contains some of the truth that was too revolutionary for Mr. Rockefeller's institution. It traces the inevitable rise of democracy in industry, in other words, of a working class movement that will take industry out of the control of capitalists. It also studies the necessary effect of this rising democracy on literature and art, on work and play, on education and religion.
For description of other books in this library, and a large variety of other Socialistic literature, see catalog; mailed free on request. Address