ABSTRACT
The movement in favour of solidarity, that is to say, the association of similar interests, which is so generally evident, is perhaps the most definite of the new social tendencies, and is probably one of those that will have the greatest effect on author's evolution. The term solidarity signifies merely association, and by no means charity or altruism. Charity is a noxious and anti-social sentiment; altruism is an artificial and impotent sentiment. True solidarity is possible only between persons who have the same immediate interests. Such are the interests that have called into being the modern institution of the trades-union. The word solidarity is heard far oftener than the old shibboleths of equality and fraternity, and is tending to supplant them. It is by no means synonymous. As the object of the association of interests is to struggle against other interests, it is evident that solidarity is only a particular form of the universal conflict of classes and individuals.
