Problems of Society

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19885, 11 March 1939, Page 11

Problems of Society

THE problems of the present day, their origins, and their suggested remedies are sei out in a remarkably clear and concise manner in a book which has been published by Jonathan Cape and which will repay reading by all who are concerned in the difficulties that confront the present generation. The authors, in tne preface, indicate that they are typical ot a generation that has gone through the war and emerged I'rom it more and mure mystified at modern trends. More than most, perhaps, they have been conscious of a sense of frustration and futility, and they have subjected their experiences and thoughts to a close scrutiny that finds expression in the capable survey. The authors begin by setting out a thei :y. based mainly on psychology, oi the nature of human satisfaction, happiness, and well-being. They go on to survey the modern society and to examine the various ways in which it is failing to meet people's fundamental needs. Their analysis is at once instructive and impressive, and, without being controversial, they set forth in simple language the prob--1 terns that have been created by the 1 modern age. At the same time they I -eview the steps that have already been taken to effect necessary adjustments and show how, and to what extent, these fail to measure up to the actual requirements. It is refreshing to find that the authors, unlike many other writers, have no “plan” for a reconstruction of society. On the contrary, they particularly reject all plans, schemes, movements and organisations and get back to fundamentals. They insist that comfort and happiness, far from being a gift to be bestowed by a benevolent State, can only derive from

individual effort. "Without struggle and effort," they say, "there can be no complete satisfaction." They 'arc far, nevertheless, from advocating a doctrine of the survival of the tittest, and proceed to emphasise how vital it is that there should be a better understanding of the needs of the masses and a better opportunity for them. The book- is by no means the last word on a problem that is endless, but it does provide the average individual with a basis of study and is provocative if thought on questions that, are to-day exercising the minds if people in every walk of life. To hose who are anxious for a striking ipproaeh to the most important of all modern issues this book can be thoroughly recommended.--("Human ■Jeeds in Modern Society," by B. T. Reynolds and R. G. Cotilson, Cape—--I'. Adams.)