164 D. S. MARGOLIOUTH, D.LITT., F.B.A., OX THE FUTCJRE OP 



system compasses it no better now than it did in Alison's time.* 

 The tendency, therefore, is rather to base the need for readjust- 

 ment on some forecast of the results of the war, of which one 

 writer specifies three. f These are, first, the need for increased 

 industry, owing to the vast accumulation of debtt : the nation 

 through its central government and its many bodies of local 

 government must carry on industrial enteip)rises for the public 

 benefit and under democratic control. Secondly, the expansion 

 of the feminine influence. Thirdly, human unity. Even if this 

 forecast were intelligible, and the author's comments indicate 

 that the second and third items signify son^ething very difierent 

 from their obvious sense, it would probably be unsafe to stake 

 anything on its accuracy. 



It is easier to agree with those who hold that the war has 

 provided a unique opportunity for reconsidering the system, 

 and for the following reason. One effect which escapes no one 

 is the realization of Isaiah's prophecy, / will make a mun fnore 

 precious than fine gold, even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir. 

 There is one profession, the military, which cannot be overstocked. 

 Human material has acquired unprecedented value, and the 

 need for husbanding capacity has become acute. The value, not 

 only of gold, but of wealth, is greatly reduced, since wealth 

 signifies the right to human service, and the State restricts 

 within narrow limits the rights which any individual may enjoy. 

 The need for self-preser\'ation which limits rights also enforces 

 duties, and compels each individual to perform that sen^ice of 

 which he or she is capable for the maintenance of the com- 

 munity. Hence the hierarchy of employments, of which some 

 are more honourable than others, forming the basis of society, 

 has been seriously impaired. The professional class, which 

 largely ministers to the needs of peace, has been depleted, and 

 the Universities, which in the main train for it, have been 

 emptied. Since the curriculum of the Universities largely 

 influences that of the schools, this period of depletion offers an 

 opportunity for examining the value of traditions which are in 

 abeyance, and could now be broken with comparative ease. It 

 might, however, be a grave error to assume that the condition 

 which the war has brought about will persist after its tennina- 



* See T. F. A. Smith, The Soul of Germany, Appendix ii. 

 t F. J. Gould, op. cit, p. 7. 



j Cp. K. Richmond, Education for Liberty, p. 104. 



