freedom. So far in the history of the world the enlargement of
individual responsibility, by freedom from constraint among the mature
members of society, has been the chief mark of progress. Yet the
constraint of welfare, and of the general judgment as to what is welfare,
as well as the necessity for agreement as to ways and means of reaching
it, are better recognized today than ever before. The extreme of
individualism destroys the natural constraint of a common judgment.

_Socialism._--The opposite extreme is the assumption that common wants are
of supreme importance and common judgment absolutely efficient. Under the
name of "communism" it stands in direct contrast with anarchy. Anarchists
and communists may unite upon a platform of a single plank, opposition to
existing institutions; but in all ideals and purposes and plans for future
welfare they are absolutely opposed to each other. The natural community
of interests so evident in society gives a fair basis for the general
principles of communism. No doubt the welfare of all is the interest of
each, and the world is growing to recognize it. Among a group of beings
perfectly wise and virtuous there could be no clashing of either interests
or judgment. The ideal of Louis Blanc, "From every man according to his
powers, to every man according to his wants," would represent the natural
activity of such a group. But in application to humanity, as it is and is
bound to be by its weakness and waywardness, it seems abstractly ideal. In
fact it is only roughly applicable in ends to be served, and suggests
almost nothing as to ways and means. Like the golden rule, it applies to
the disposition and purpose of the actor, but leaves the acts to be
decided by individual judgment.

The numerous phases of opinion in application of this principle cannot be
presented even by name in this short chapter. They are worthy of study as
indicating a growth of opinion and sentiment in recognition of the mutual
dependence of all human beings. They are also worthy of study as
indicating how arbitrary a zealot may become in enforcing his opinions
upon others. All of them are grouped somewhat loosely under the name of
"socialism," but there are many gradations in the supremacy of the social
ideal over the individual welfare. There are also many shades of opinion
as to how the final result of social supremacy shall be reached. Many are
expecting a revolution by force of arms to establish the idea