218 The Ideal State 



mechanics and science. We are all apt to flatter our- 

 selves that the extraordinary evolution of the intellect 

 is the explanation of such marvels as the steam-engine, 

 the motor-car, the power-loom, the telegraph, the tele- 

 phone, wireless telegraphy, the aeroplane, the hydro- 

 plane, the modern warship, the perfection of surgical 

 art and science, but these are one and all only an 

 evolution, the most recent phase of development 

 possible up to the present time, but we are as much 

 indebted to the pioneers as we are to the actual 

 patentee of the final instrument. The rush of these 

 wonderful contrivances now has become possible 

 through increased social efficiency which the ameliora- 

 tion of the conditions of life has permitted. These have 

 been made possible only through the growth of the 

 altruistic spirit, resulting not only in the display of 

 greater love towards our neighbour, but in the desire 

 to remove all conditions inimical to the health, the 

 necessities and comforts of the poor and miserable. We 

 have only to consider for one moment the care which 

 the State now exercises in the interest of the aged and 

 the child, and we know this is only a beginning. We 

 have already dwelt on the benefit of the old age pension, 

 not only to the aged poor, but all the other members of 

 the State, who are happier in the knowledge that they 

 who have borne the burden and heat of the day have 

 sufficient to keep the wolf from the door as long as life 

 endures, and that to a very limited extent they are 

 repaying a debt long overdue, and are relieved of a 

 weight of subconscious remorse which no longer 

 presses. We know from this scientific study of observed 

 phenomena that it was inevitable such a measure 

 should have been enacted, and many others, such as the 

 Children's Bill, and all Acts limiting hours in shops, 

 factories, and mines, and we are able to prophesy 

 without fear or doubt that measures of greater and 



