What it leaves out is that the task is manifold and infinite because man must identify himself with a manifold and infinite number of groups before he has embraced humanity. Society, however, does not consist merely of the union of all these various groups. And in these interlocking groups we have not only the same people taking up different activities, but actually representing different interests. In some groups I may be an employer, in others an employee. I can be a workman and a stockholder.
Men have many loyalties.
It is no longer true that I belong to such a class and must always identify myself with its interests. I not only thus get opposite points of view, but I myself can contribute to two opposite points of view. The importance of this has not been fully estimated. It is just these cross lines that are of inestimable value in the development of society. Thus while two groups may be competing, certain members of these groups may be working together for the satisfaction of some interest.