CHAPTER I 



THE PHILOSOPHY OF FORCE 



WHAT object does human society set before 

 itself? What is the purpose for which 

 the State — our State — exists? 



No problem of sociology can be discussed 

 effectively without raising this fundamental ques- 

 tion. Sociological discussion usually comes to it 

 at the last; obviously it should raise it at the 

 beginning. 



In the first place, it is of course impossible to 

 test the value of any instrument or method as a 

 means to an end unless we realize clearly what that 

 end is. Otherwise, when we do come to grapple 

 with the question of "what it is all for," we shall 

 find ourselves trying to make the end fit the means, 

 the task fit the tool, and not choose our tool to fit 

 our task. 



We could find no better illustration of what I 

 mean by this than the social and moral story of 

 Prussia — indeed, of Europe — and the meaning of 

 the war which began in August, 19 14. 



Until a generation or so ago German thought 

 and moral influence were undoubtedly working 



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