ECONOMIC MOTIVES AND IDEALS IN AGRICULTURE 19 



their work are printed by this company and put into the hands 

 of all the employees. The local leaders in rural communities, 

 and extension workers, agricultural papers, and every other 

 educational agency touching rural life should give due em- 

 phasis to the broader and higher motives on the theory that 

 " What is honored is cultivated." 



This sketch of the complex motives which impel the farmers 

 to action prepares the way for an understanding between 

 the reader and the author on one important question which 

 must be agreed upon if the reader is to benefit from the follow- 

 ing discussions. The purpose of the author is not to explain 

 how men will act under given conditions. The motives of men 

 are too complex and too varied for this. What is attempted is 

 to show what it is the economic interest of the farmer to do 

 under given conditions. To the extent that this can be done, 

 the principles of farm economics will prove a guide to the 

 farmer in organizing and operating his farm, and to the states- 

 man who seeks to improve agricultural conditions. 



