Civilization and Decay 371 



scendent importance as to forbid any exact compari- 

 son between the two, save by way of contrast. 



While there is in modern times a decrease in emo- 

 tional religion, there is an immense increase in practi- 

 cal morality. There is a decrease of the martial type 

 found among savages and the people of the Middle 

 Ages, except as it still survives in the slums of great 

 cities ; but there remains a martial type infinitely more 

 efficient than any that preceded it. There are great 

 branches of industry which call forth in those that 

 follow them more hardihood, manliness, and cour- 

 age than any industry of ancient times. The im- 

 mense masses of men connected with the railroads 

 are continually called upon to exercise qualities of 

 mind and body such as in antiquity no trade and no 

 handicraft demanded. There are, it is true, in- 

 fluences at work to shake the vitality, courage, and 

 manliness of the race ; but there are other influences 

 which tell in exactly the opposite direction, and, 

 whatever may come in the future, hitherto the last 

 set of influences have been strongest. As yet, while 

 men are more gentle and more honest than before, it 

 can not be said that they are less brave; and they are 

 certainly more efficient as fighters. If our popula- 

 tion decreases ; if we lose the virile, manly qualities, 

 and sink into a nation of mere hucksters, putting 

 gain over national honor, and subordinating every- 

 thing to mere ease of life; then we shall indeed reach 

 a condition worse than that of the ancient civiliza- 

 tions in the years of their decay. But at present no 

 comparison could be less apt than that of Byzantium, 



