"MATERIALISTIC IDEALS"

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 137, 6 December 1930, Page 13

"MATERIALISTIC IDEALS"

(To the Editor.) Sir,—During this period of world-wide depression and political unrest, your daily columns continually stress, from commercial and political leaders alike, .the neces-sity-for faith, confidence, and optimism in the future tranquillity and ultimate success of our national life It would, appear that the cultivation of these qualities is of primary impprtance. mere repetition "could act on our mentality in the manner defined by psychologists, then by now we should have gripped and applied this seeming remedy. But nlaa! We still groan under the political and economic conditions of the day, and words so glibly spoken have failed to materialise ' to the bettex'ment of our lives.' Is it unnatural that a doubt should arise, as to the wisdom of adviie so freely given?-■-I am-inclined tb think that these "sages" are themselves-at fault and that present adverse conditions are the result of man's attempt' to evolve his existence along..-mateiinlistic-lines. ... ..Would it.not be. more fittting. to. attribute our present commercial and political conditions to the overplus of such instincts and qualities. as acquisition, jealousy, and the worship of power? Is the huge structure of world commerce around us built on service to humanity or the desire impersonal gain? Are:our politicians; actuat-ed-by service to their fellow beings . or personal gratification of their ambitions? My niood is that of a pessimist, and - I cannot but doubt the wisdom of the modern call for faith', confidence; and optimism in the present order of things. I would prefer to believe that in the evolution of our materialistic ideals, we have departed from the more essential and higher plane. -Are'-not the present - conditions symptomatic.of faulty foundation's?-! find the contention' somewhat "uiipleasing. 'Perhaps some>'defender, of our present ..order would reveal to me a hidden motive of a higher order.—l am, etc., - '■■-•'• ' ■PERP.LIJXfiD'.::