282 The Ideal State 



have ample time for physical and intellectual effort, 

 such as would fit them to be efficient in their future 

 work on behalf of the State. The future work suitable 

 to every individual would be decided by special 

 committees and sub-committees, such as have been 

 indicated, who would carefully study the inclination, 

 the faculties, and previous record of every individual. 

 No doubt it would be arranged that if in process of 

 time it were discovered that a change of occupation 

 was desirable, the decision would be reconsidered, and, 

 if thought advisable, altered. 



In Bellamy's system all artistic pleasures — the 

 drama, painting, sculpture, and music — can be enjoyed 

 by everyone without limitation, as at present to those 

 of large means. The artists, loving Art for Art's sake, 

 and recognising that "Life is short, but infinite; Art 

 is long, but inexhaustible," 1 give their powers and 

 talents to the higher evolution of the race, and find 

 therein the truest happiness and reward. They receive 

 from the State all needful requirements and necessities 

 of existence, with equal advantages similar to those 

 possessed by everyone, in the privilege of enjoyment 

 of all forms of art and culture they may desire, with all 

 literature within their reach, and the pursuit of the 

 study of any subject which interests them in the State 

 Universities. Similarly, the experts in all subjects of 

 philosophy, science, and learning, as professors in the 

 Universities of every large town, imbued as they all are 

 with the altruistic spirit, delight to pour forth the 

 treasure of their minds, the results of long years of 

 study and reflection in order to raise their fellow-men 

 to a higher standard of being. 



We think we hear someone say : " This is very well 

 for literary people, professors, and artists, but it won't 

 do for business men. Who is going to take the trouble to 



1 Frederic Harrison, "Among My Books," in " English Review." 



