408 THE BRITISH APPROACH TO POLITICS

The practice of politics, therefore, is not only necessary to
preserve the conditions of civilised life; it also satisfies a deep
personal need. But since it cannot be practised except in company
with others, each individual must nourish in himself the power
to imagine the feelings and wishes of his fellows. As he expects
to express his own opinions, so he must be willing to study the
opinions of others. As he hates to be deceived, so he must refrain
from deceiving others, or resting content with half-truths when
further study would increase his knowledge. In a democracy, the
work of central and local Government, of voluntary organisations
and political parties, provides innumerable opportunities for
activity in which men can botih realise themselves and be of
service to others. The sphere in which each person can act is
limited; but each activity develops the virtues which are the
Material of civilisation.

That men and women should pursue accurate knowledge and
use it to guide their actions; that they should treat one another
with justice and kindness and tolerance; that they should give
their respect, not to those who have most power, but to those
who use it most wisely; that, above all, they should acknowledge
the tie of common humanity—these are simple conclusions to
emerge from the complex study of State and World Government.
But they are not mere phrases; where freedom exists, they are
capable of ceaseless and wide practical application. They are the
truths 'which millions have, to their own undoing, deserted.
The determination of the free peoples of the world to reaffirm
them, and act upon them, is the source from which shall spring
deliverance from present evils, and the future advancement of
mankind.

BOOKS:

MITCHISON, The Moral Basis of Politics.
ZIMMERN. The Greek Commonwealth.
GROSSMAN. Plato To-day.