ABSTRACT
Considering the confusion of thought in which, at the latter end of the nineteenth century, art and philosophy were enveloped, there was certainly some excuse for the Fabian Society in disregarding their claims. But it is different with regard to morals. The Collectivist idea of holding the State responsible for all the ills of society has been another source of confusion. For it is apparent that the State cannot, in the long run, be better than the citizens who compose it. To hold State responsible is finally to hold no one responsible, because politicians themselves, who at any time form the Government, are only in possession of a delegated authority. The Insurance Act will for all time remain the classical example of the failure necessarily following any attempt at reform by wholesale measures. It is a mistake for reformers to have any dealings with State until such time arrives as they are capable of bargaining with it on equal terms.
