In more recent times, communication has been rapidly extended and 

 speeded up. Processes based upon scientific research have become extremely 

 specialized and refined. We have become aware of our dependence upon a 

 larger and larger group. In an epidemic, for example, the individual who 

 relies only on himself is completely helpless in spite of his intelligence or good 

 intentions or bank account or special talents or other powers and fighting qual- 

 ities. His salvation depends upon various specialists in all parts of the world, 

 working night and day to protect — not him personally, nor themselves, but 

 the entire community or region. When there is a flood or a plane crash or a 

 hurricane, the damage done is usually unrelated to the virtues or the physical 

 strength of the men and women and children who get thrown around. But 

 from such disasters we often learn how future damage may be avoided or re- 

 duced. And dealing with the immediate disaster and guarding against future 

 repetitions create fighting jobs. But these jobs are only for people who can 

 see danger or the "enemy" in natural processes, and who can see the goal of 

 striving in broad human needs. Fighting spirit and fighting quaUties are con- 

 stantly needed. But the struggle need not always be on the level of a hungry 

 fox or of two dogs tearing at the same scrap of meat. 



The Moral Equivalent of War Men will fight. But will they fight 

 like pigs over the contents of the feeding trough, spoiling more than they use? 

 or like other beasts, over the scraps in the garbage cans.? Will they fight like 

 bandits or marauders, preying upon strangers? or like gangsters, holding up 

 anybody who may come along? or like racketeers dressed up like civilized 

 people, pretending to render a service — quacks looking like doctors, shysters 

 disguised as counselors, embezzlers offering to help widows and orphans with 

 their financial problems? Will they fight in organized armies, trying to ensure 

 their own survival at the expense of inhabitants of other regions? Or, even- 

 tually, will men fight as human beings, using their talents and skills and in- 

 genuities and sciences to overcome the many obstacles to decent living? Will 

 they attack the common need for abundant supplies of the earth's yield? 

 Will they fight to overcome pests and pestilences, to prevent and cure human 

 ills, to clear jungles and swamps, to restore the soil, to build highways, span 

 rivers, tunnel mountains? 



Human beings are engaged in the same struggle for existence as are mice and 

 mildews and mosquitoes. They have a larger world to conquer, and more 

 delicate, as well as more powerful, weapons to fight with. The goals they set 

 themselves depend upon the ideas they have of their own natures and needs, 

 and upon their notions about the world they seek to conquer. The courage 

 and energy and spirit with which they conduct their fight depend upon their 

 appreciation of dangers and needs. Men content to fight for bread alone will 

 hardly get more out of life. If men imagine a world of general health and 

 general well-being, they may never be able quite to realize their dreams. But 



556 



