Blood and Soil

Abstract

THE history of mankind is largely a story of the conflict of man's ideals, or, as the cynic would say, of his illusions. Of these the most potent, and in the long run the most enduring, are those affording the herd instinct fullest opportunity for play. This instinct, binding individuals by a bond of brotherhood in communities armed at all points for attack and defence, is at once self-regarding and altruistic. Appealing to both sides of human nature, in the struggle for existence it is the most effective of all the means of survival.