The Gavelyte, December 1908

CEDARVILLE COLLEGE. 173 - Primitive man considered everyone his enemy and incessantly struggled for self-preservation. He was selfish not only for himself, but for his family as well It was his family against the world. In the struggle of two primitive men, one or the other was overcome, or a compromise was effected, based on a common interest. Thus strengthened they were able to overcome greater enemies or unite with them. Then it was the united familie against the world. Later, the tribe was men's altruistic horizon . But the struggle still continued until tribes united. Then parental govern– ment 'vvas reµlaced by one established by the will of t,he different members of the tribt·. Usually the str.>ngest and most able member was chosen to be th:-- leadPr. As tribes united, the duties of the leaders become greater. The mind of man broadened as he realized m0re und more the value of united offort; as he saw enemies becoming friends. Some mernbers of each tribe clung to the tribal traditions. Ot11ers sought the common good of the united tribes and were less held by tradition. These two factions represent– ed t~e conservative and radical tendencies in society. Both were nece.:;sary for its rati(lnal evolution. An extreme conservative was considered a clog to progress. An extreme radical was a fanatic. The clogs were laughed :it, the fanatics, killed or imprisoned. Tribes united, states developed. With the development of states came the rise of factions. Members of the different factions studied public policies. Thu the most conscientious became the best citizens of the state. The good citizen will not consider merely the welfare of his fellow citizens hut he will study public questions, considering the tendencies of the various factions their interests and desires. He will strive to establi h or maintain ' the policies which will be the best for the people at large. As in the tate, so in the nation. If a leader is too far in advance of hi time, he i a fanatic. As the people begin to realize the truth of the things he advocates, he becomes a hero and is wor hipped by them. Hi , early teaching is possibly theoretieal to a large ext~nt, but, as time goes on, jt becomes more practical. He is drawn nearer to the people and is no longer worshipped by them But he is considered one of the first citizens <Jf the nation. As the view broadens it includes the tendencies of whole race of men. It include international policies looking toward the realization and ap– prE>riation of thE> common interPRts of HII nations. Man then becomes a