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SMAD. An Organ of Student Opinion. 1935. Volume 6. Number 15.

Communism Dictatorship Democracy. — But the Greatest of These is Democracy

Communism Dictatorship Democracy.

But the Greatest of These is Democracy.

Speaking at the Free Discussions Club on July 17, Dr. Mitchell defended the cause of Democracy against Communism and Dictatorship. His address took the form of a theoretical discussion of the underlying principles of these three systems.

Beginning with democracy, he stated that faith in human nature and in its latent potentialities is essential to democracy, because democracy is based on the rights of each individual to become the best man he can possibly be. The supporter of democracy believes (1) that every normal man is endowed with a personality; (2) that every man should be free to develop his own personality to the benefit of society as a whole; (3) that each individual is free, possessing a will of his own, and should not therefore be regarded as the product of a machine; (4) that individuals are rational (not ideally or 100 per cent rational, but still capable of development); and (5) that man is infinite in capacity and that every man possesses in some degree a progressive ideal or aim. Taking into account these five principals, we find that the fundamental principle of democracy is that of promoting human welfare—of developing personality rather than of amassing material wealth.

Communism.

In dealing with Communism, Dr. Mitchell pointed out that Communism disregards number (5) of these principles, for Communism places material things above spiritual ideals (the old "feed the brute" method), and also regards man as being first and foremost an economic agent, Marx was right in so far as he saw that the conflict in the world to-day is not a conflict of things but of persons—i.e., that it is not capitalism but the capitalist who is the stumbling-block to society. But he failed in that he emphasised the material aspect of society to the complete neglect of the spiritual aspect. He had not grasped the fact that man is not so much a product of his physical environment as he is (or should be!) the creator of a spiritual environment, by means of which he can bring his physical environment more into conformity with his ideals.

Dictatorship.

Passing on to deal with dictatorship, Dr. Mitchel showed that this form of government is a complete contradiction to the principles of democracy because it denies the freedom of the individual. Under a dictatorship individuals become the unwilling victims and tools of the dictator and are prevented from carrying out free ideals freely conceived.

Democracy Requires Sacrifice.

Replying to the challenge that democracy has not been much of a success, Dr. Mitchell explained that people have never given democracy a real trial. The success of democracy depends on the willingness of every single individual to fulfil his obligation in the development of society. This involves personal sacrifice, and unless we, as individuals in society, are prepared to do our share in promoting human welfare, the democratic State can never attain to the complete fulfilment of its ideal. Dr. Mitchell here quoted that wise saying: "A fool in the community, a fool in Parliament; a rich man in society, a rich man in Parliament; a wise man in society, a wise man in Parliament."

Man's Personality.

Someone here queried the advisability of allowing men freedom to develop their personalities. Dr. Mitchell pointed out that it was useless forcing a man to be good: he must learn to be good of his own free will. If God had not realised the necessity of allowing man to exert his will freely, surely He would have "stuck up a notice and planted a policeman to stop Eve from eating the apple!" Self-imposed discipline is essential to the development of strong personality. So the individual must learn to govern and control his personal aims and ambitions according to the effect he wishes to have on the whole of society.

Just as the discussion was getting really interesting, Mr. Brooks' "Lights out!" brought the meeting to a close. All present accorded Dr. Mitchell a hearty vote of thanks for promoting one of the best discussions of the year.