COMMENTS ON CO-OPERATION 211 



be called unwise. But so it is, and so, apparently, it 

 will remain. 



Now let us pass to the indirect but equally- 

 tangible results of co-operation. First of these I 

 should be inclined to put the development of mind 

 and character among those by whom it is practised. 

 The peasant or little farmer who is a member of one 

 or more of these societies, who helps to build up 

 their success and enjoys their benefits, acquires a 

 new outlook. His moral horizon enlarges itself, the 

 jealousies and suspicions which are in most countries 

 so common among those who live by the land fall from 

 him. Feeling that he has a voice in the direction of 

 great affairs, he acquires an added value and a healthy 

 importance in his own eyes. He knows also that 

 in his degree and according to his output he is on an 

 equal footing with the largest producer and pro- 

 portionately is doing as well. There is no longer 

 any fear that because he is a little man he will be 

 browbeaten or forced to accept a worse price for 

 what he has to sell than does his rich and powerful 

 neighbour. The skilled minds which direct his 

 business work as zealously for him as for that 

 important neighbour. 



Again, being relieved from all the worry and risk 

 of marketing, and sure that whatever he buys from 

 his society, be it seeds, or food-stuffs, or implements, 

 is the best obtainable at the lowest rate compatible 

 with good quality, he is free to devote himself alto- 

 gether to the actual business of his life. Also in any 

 doubt or difficulty he can rely on the expert advice 

 of his Control Society ; all the science of the country 

 is in fact at the disposal of the humblest worker of 

 its acres. 



