In His Image by William Jennings Bryan
page 111 of 242 (45%)
page 111 of 242 (45%)
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it is the basis of the gigantic class struggle that is now shaking
society throughout the world. Both the capitalist and the labourer are increasingly class conscious. Why? Because the doctrine of the "Individual efficient for himself"--the brute doctrine of the "survival of the fittest"--is driving men into a life-and-death struggle from which sympathy and the spirit of brotherhood are eliminated. It is transforming the industrial world into a slaughter-house. Benjamin Kidd, in a masterful work, entitled, "The Science of Power," points out how Darwinism furnished Nietzsche with a scientific basis for his godless system of philosophy and is demoralizing industry. He also quotes eminent English scientists to support the last charge in the indictment, namely, that Darwinism robs the reformer of hope. Its plan of operation is to improve the race by "scientific breeding" on a purely physical basis. A few hundred years may be required--possibly a few thousand--but what is time to one who carries eons in his quiver and envelopes his opponents in the "Mist of Ages"? Kidd would substitute the "Emotion of the Ideal" for scientific breeding and thus shorten the time necessary for the triumph of a social reform. He counts one or two generations as sufficient. This is an enormous advance over Darwin's doctrine, but Christ's plan is still more encouraging. A man can be born again; the springs of life can be cleansed instantly so that the heart loves the things that it formerly hated and hates the things that it once loved. If this is true of _one_, it can be true of _any number_. Thus, a nation can be born in a day if the ideals of the people can be changed. Many have tried to harmonize Darwinism with the Bible, but these |
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