British Socialism An Examination of Its Doctrines, Policy, Aims and Practical Proposals

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CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION—WHAT IS SOCIALISM?

What is Socialism?

It is exceedingly difficult to answer that question in a few words, for Socialism is exceedingly elusive and bewildering in its doctrines, its aims, and its proposals.

Its opponents have described it as "a doctrine of sordid materialism and of atheism," they have denounced it as "the gospel of everlasting bellyful," and as "the coming slavery." They have stated that Socialism means to abolish religion, that it "would try to put laziness, thriftlessness, and inefficiency on a par with industry, thrift, and efficiency, that it would strive to break up not merely private property, but, what is far more important, the home, the chief prop upon which our whole civilisation stands."

The Socialists, on the other hand, claim that "Socialism presents the only living ideal of human existence"; that "Socialism is science applied with knowledge and understanding to all branches of human activity"; that "Socialism is freedom," and that it is exceedingly just, for "the justice of Socialism will see all things, and therefore understand all things." One of the Socialist leaders has told us "Socialism is much more than either a political creed or an economic dogma. It presents to the modern world a new conception of society and a new basis upon which to build up the life of the individual and of the State." Another informs us "Socialism to Socialists is not a Utopia which they have invented, but a principle of social organisation which they assert to have been discovered by the patient investigators into sociology whose labours have distinguished the present century." A third has stated that "Socialism is really neither more nor less than the science of sociology." A fourth asserts that "it is a scientific scheme of national government entirely wise, just, and practical." A fifth states "Socialism to me has always meant not a principle, but certain definite economic measures which I wish to see taken."

Other Socialists have taught that "Socialism is an ethical system founded on justice and truth; it is a heartfelt, soul-inspiring religion, resting upon the love of God." "Socialism is a theory of social organisation, which reconciles the individual to society. It has discovered how the individual in society can attain to a state of complete development." "Socialism is the right of the community, acting in its corporate capacity, to intervene in the lives and labours of men and women." "Socialism is nothing but the extension of democratic self-government from the political to the industrial world." "Socialism is an endeavour to substitute for the anarchical struggle or fight for existence an organised co-operation for existence." "Socialism may be described as an endeavour to readjust the machinery of industry in such a way that it can at once depend upon and issue in a higher kind of character and social type than is encouraged by the conditions of ordinary competitive enterprise." "Socialism is the development of policies concerning the welfare of society." "It is not arbitrary destruction and reconstruction, but a natural process of development." "The idea of Socialism will conquer the world, for this idea is nothing but the real, well understood interest of mankind." "Its principles will carry the whole human race to a higher state of perfection." "It is the great modern protest against unreality, against the delusive shams which now masquerade as verities." "Socialism is of the character of a historical discovery." "Socialism, the inspiring principle of all Labour Parties, whether they know it or not, is the next world movement—the movement of the constructive intellect."

Socialism is rich in promises, and its claims to our consideration and support are manifold....