True Cooperative Individualism
[an argument on
the plan of Fairhope Industrial Association, prepared 1894]
The present social
and economic order is doomed. In the height of its marvelous achievements it
bears within itself the seeds of its own destruction. Clear headed economists
and warm hearted philanthropists long ago pointed out and denounced its
enormous waste of human energy and natural resources and its hideous injustice
and cruelty. It has been "weighed in the balance and found wanting."
It must go! that is settled! but the very serious fear presents itself that we
who now recognize and denounce its evils and are striving to unite a majority
of its victims for its overthrow, may go before it goes -- in waiting the slow
movement of majorities.
To the one who has
the true spirit of a reformer present conditions are almost unbearable. Even
though his own financial and social standing may be secure; the injustice and
attendant want, misery, hardships and despair everywhere apparent fill his life
with sadness -- but the qualities of mind and heart which mark the reformer and
philanthropist are a serious disqualification for financial success under
existing conditions.