ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a discussion of sentiments in their own right, because sentiments are the most important determinants of social phenomena. Sentiments of personal defense and property are weakening among the wealthy. The “social function” of property has come to be precariously defined in terms of “social obligation,” while work has been transformed into a “right.” People with sentiments that are forceful and determined have always contributed to prosperity. It is likely that the same will be true in the future. For example, after periods of decline due to historical exigencies, forceful and determined people were responsible for the prosperity that followed the Middle Ages, just as they were in Ancient Greece and after the fall of Roman Empire. One can assess the strength of these sentiments by observing the energy and consistency with which wage earners pressed for the eight-hour work day.
