New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-08-25
THE GOLDEN RULE.
THE SECRET OF SOCIAL PROGRESS.

SOCIAL PROGRESS An Essay. by Daniel Green
leaf Thompson. svo, PIP. 16l. Longmans
Green 81 Co.
The reader of Mr. Thompson's essay on social
progress may, if he is not himself agnostic, be
little surprised 10 find, the result Of good deal
Of fluent and by uninteresed discussion, the
virtual declaration that what is most needed in the
world is education of mankind in the Golden Rule
Mr. Thompson puts it thus: Social progress is only
made in the direction of obtaining the most perfect
liberty. The most complete individual happiness is
the ultimate desdcratum but this can in no way be
secured but through the perfection Of social liberty.
The latter IS even necessary for the protection OF
Individual freedom To realize such ideals Of liberty
must be law because only through law there
be security: Nor can security be perfect except
there be equality of rights. These, in turn, cannot
be maintained if there be great inequality Of power
And, in fine OF these conditions can be COM
pleely developed save through the universal prev
alencc in humanity of that disposition and character
by which one finds his happiness and welfare in the
happiness and welfare Of his fellow-men"
Elsewhere Mr.. Thompson says: " II all mon had
the true alrstic disposition there would be Of
government" Precisely so; but does Il not speak
more strongly for the authors eupepsy than for his
philosophy that. whio rejecting all religion he IS
able TO maintain enthusiastic optimism The
change implied IN the words " If all men had the
true altruistic disposition IS not a slight TO
realize II one must have 10 pure concepts.
experience affords aid Whatever In the premises.
Christianity Is generally admitted 10 have been the
most powerful and pervasivc influence eXerted
upon the human mind. yet after nearly nineteen
turies il has failed 10 effect more than faint and
distant approach 10 Ito universal prevalence OF
alt,1isn. There are indeed thinkers who maintain
that egoism has never been more rampant and wide
spread than at the present time; which. If It were
true would make the future prospect rather gloomy
even allowing all that could be hoped for from The
influence of religion But with religion eliminated the
Quit can hardly be considered so bright A. 70
warrant sangilno forecasts such as Mr.. Thompson
permits himself does Il appear altOgch1r
able expect from philosophy which scarcely
appeals The emotional side OF human nature than
has hitherto obtained through constant pressure
upon the most easily and powerfully impressed OF
human feelings.
II would perhaps be unphoeophical ~ DENY the
possibility OF any conceivable change I'm human nature
but mere experience certainly justlnes the conclusion
that unless or untll the conditions which limit mould
and control humanity enirey altered. there eau
be no general sneoratlon Of mans character and
conduct As moreover Mr. Thompson holds land no
doubt with juscel that tho social progress 10 which
he looks forward l. itself enrc, dependent unon the
dissemination OF atuiism The argument returns upon
Itself in a vicious circle" IL amounts IA tails. that
there cannot be social progress until aruism is gen.
eral but altrusm cannot become general while there
IS no social progress Nor Is this The sole paradox in
volyed Liberty without law results IN anarchy
Eut liberty with law produces inequality. without
power there can be individual freedom; but where
power Is there also IS the tendency 10 It's abuse. The
ga ,ston always back 10 this that changes IN
form Of government and social system are and must