A Tramp's Philosophy by Bart Kennedy

Author:Bart Kennedy
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Feral House
Published: 2020-11-15T00:00:00+00:00

18 “Manhood suffrage” was the 18th-century phrase used to describe the concept of “one man-one vote.” During the European intellectual revolution of the late 1700s, there was a movement to bring democratic reforms to governmental systems that recognized the autonomy of individuals and that human beings deserved individual rights. (Of course, this was limited to only white men until the 20th century.)

2

On Russia.*

EVEN PETER THE GREAT would not have been able to handle the present situation in Russia. He was a strong man, but there are times when individuals do not count. The most effective man is only effective when his ideas coincide with the ideas of others. In a word, what is called a great personality is but a man who is the mouthpiece or the carrier-out of the will of the crowd. When this concrete will becomes intense enough the man is found.

Napoleon said that he could have stopped the French Revolution. But the saying of this was only a boast. For Napoleon could no more have stayed the French Revolution than he could have stayed the rising of the tide with his bare hands. Mighty and effective though he was, he was cast aside the moment he got out of touch with his masters—the crowd. For let it never be forgotten that the world is not for a man or a few men. The world is for the multitude that dwell upon it.

All leaders fall when their egotism gets them out of touch with the masses who use them.

This is the point: Does Russia want revolution? Do the whole people unitedly wish for change? If they do there will come forward the few resolute expressers of this united will. And Russia will emerge radiant from the bath of blood.

Before there are captains there must be fighting men.

Deny it who may, the present system of government in Russia arises out of and expresses the character of the people as a whole. No Government in the world would last for an hour were it not in accord with the will of the people. I mean in accord with the will of the people as a whole. It is not enough that a section of the people be discontented. The whole or the greater part of them must be ready for the change.

If you would light a fire, the fuel must be dry.

I have no hesitation in asserting that it is impossible for us here in England to have any real understanding of the situation in Russia. Great and powerful and skillful though the Press be, it is still incapable of performing the impossible feat of picturing with absolute fidelity the whole state of affairs. It can only tell us, so to speak, of the outside of events.

It is foolish and idle to blame the unlucky Czar. What can the man do? What could even the greatest or the strongest man do? A man, who is said to be strong, has control of the situation now, and what is he doing? He is helping on the discontent.

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