226 ANNUAL REPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 1940 



Mean is not only a specialist in the art of coordinated activity, 

 but the trend toward organization is recognizable in the entire de- 

 velopment of cosmic administration. Electrons, neutrons, and pro- 

 tons are organized into atoms, atoms into molecules, molecules into 

 compounds. Some of the compounds prove to be cells, and these 

 are organized to form individual plants and animals. Latest of 

 all in the history of creative evolution certain individuals have been 

 organized into societies. Transcending all that has gone before is 

 the development of human society, obviously the most difficult, but 

 at the same time potentially the most glorious organization yet 

 attempted. 



Two antagonistic alternatives present themselves as possible bascb 

 for this organization. The issue between the two has never before 

 been so clearly drawn as it is today. The social group, whether it 

 be the family, the industrial or commercial company, or the political 

 unit, may be organized on the principle of regimentation, or it may 

 be developed according to democratic principles. Both methods are 

 being tried under a variety of conditions, and each has something 

 to be said in its favor. But both cannot be equally conducive to the 

 continuing existence of mankind. One or the other must be selected 

 as the basis for the future security of man. 



If regimentation be the choice, then the great mass of humankind 

 must be trained for obedience — blind, unquestioning, but superbly 

 skillful obedience. The educator becomes the intellectual and spirit- 

 ual counterpart of the drill sergeant in the army. This is no menial 

 task, nor is its objective a mean one. Skill is a commodity of which 

 there is never likely to be an oversupply. On the other hand, if 

 democracy be the choice, the great mass of humankind must be trained 

 for wise, self-determined cooperation. Precisely those qualities of 

 mind and heart which have long been extolled in Christian doctrine 

 must be developed to the fullest possible extent. Not only skill 

 but also the ability to govern oneself, the eternal prerequisite for 

 freedom, must be developed in each member of the group. 



Insofar as physical existence is concerned, there would seem to be 

 little or no choice between these alternatives. Human nature being 

 what it is today, perhaps the regimentation of society may temporarily 

 be the more eflicient method. But the full circle of organic law em- 

 braces more than mere existence. From the continuity of the evo- 

 lutionary process, there has emerged a creature who is aware of vivid 

 values in life that may be found beyond the goods necessary for com- 

 fortable existence. Ideas and ideals are powerful determining factors 

 in the world today, and among them the ideal of freedojn for the 

 individual in the midst of social restraint is the most vital and compel- 

 ling of all. Though it baffle our scientific tools for measurement, it is 

 nonetheless a reality. 



