ABSTRACT
That no government is sound which passes from one crisis into another only finally to crumble to bits, is a value judgment the objectivity of which has been recognised by people at all times and in all places. Even under the most favourable circumstances deep insight, a sure instinct, a sharpened sense of responsibility and unlimited patience demanding no rapid results are all required. But the task is rendered so extraordinarily difficult through a mass of dangers and symptoms of decay now threatening the modern state and which are assailing in a disconcerting manner also the few already existing examples of a well-balanced government. These dangers and symptoms are to be understood as part of the present social and cultural crisis and cannot be dealt with further at this point. Attention can be given only to some which are particularly evident and immediate.
