492. THE POWER OF THE INDIVIDUAL.—Measuring himself against more than a hundred million of his fellows, the average American citizen is likely to be overpowered by the apparent futility and powerlessness of his personal opinions. And yet the power of the nation is only the result of the combined influences of its individual citizens. All power is with the individual. However much the absolute monarchy may have suppressed the individual, in a democracy he can become a vital force in government. We are too fond of taking censuses on the one hand, and of deferring to governmental mechanisms on the other. The individual is master of his fate, and he is the ultimate determinant of government. If government is sound, the misbehavior of the individual can ruin it; if government is defective, the assumption of responsibility by the individual must ultimately reform it. We do not need a fool-proof government half as much as we need active, responsible individuals to run the government we already have. "How long will American democracy last?" a European statesman once asked. "Just so long," the answer might have been, "as Americans honestly and intelligently grapple with the problems confronting them, holding themselves individually responsible for the conduct of government, and seeking consistently to exert an influence upon their community life which shall be constructive and inspirational."
QUESTIONS ON THE TEXT
1. Define Public Opinion.
2. What is the relation of Public Opinion to law?
3. What is the importance of Public Opinion in a democracy?
4. Why should the opinions of individuals be clarified and organized?
5. Describe the importance of home life in this regard.
6. How does the school affect the opinions of individuals?
7. What is the significance of the church with regard to Public Opinion?
8. What is the effect of the theatre upon Public Opinion?