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The Spike or Victoria University College Review 1932

III

III.

Vain is the regret of the conservative as he observes that Communism has the support of able and eminent thinkers the world over, that it has the driving force of a passionate devotion that Capitalism could never earn,—no, not in a shipload of centuries. But it is imperative to remember the limitation of Communism, and the danger that lies in making it the exclusive object of one's energies. It is essentially an economic creed, with a programme of political action, and it remains so, however much it may be the application of an ethical ideal.

One may clearly observe in communist writing a certain pre-occupation with the Soviet system which has resulted in a deplorably narrowed point of view. Russian history is regarded as the inevitable forerunner and counterpart, even in matters of detail, of identical developments which are anticipated in other countries, although these are wholly dissimilar in political and economic structure, traditions, and level of culture. And in much the same manner one finds this attitude expressed in the communist tendency to under-estimate the significance of personal relations beyond the sphere of economics. It is of course, elementary that economic equality is the mean to equality in almost every other sphere of human activity. But I refer to the attitude which excludes any values outside the promotion of the communist policy.

In education this is clearly seen. One is forced to suspect the truth of the suggestion that among the Soviets a "ne varietur" might be written over the halls of instruction. In art the same story may be told. In no capitalist country has art been so entirely reduced to the position of the mere tool of propaganda.

But the methods of politics, art and education are but means to greater ends. There is another and a purer air than commerce and economics. And so long as Communism remains the mere interpretation of unassailable dogma there can be no hope for the just recognition of values other than those which the Party has considered and accepted. In so far as Communism is shaped in a religious mould, then for all the fiery ardour of its humanity it will be unable to appreciate the importance of many of the cultural needs of man and unfitted to receive the passionate adherence which it asks of men to-day.

—I.D.C