The rural population, no
longer existing as a rural community, sank into stagnation. There was no
longer a common interest, a social order turning their minds to larger
than individual ends. Where feudalism was preserved, the feudal chief,
if the feeling of noblesse oblige was strong, might act as a centre of
progress, but where this was lacking social decay set in. The
difficulty of moving the countryman, which has become traditional, is
not due to the fact that he lives in the country, but to the fact that
he lives in an unorganized society. If in a city people want an art
gallery or public baths or recreation grounds, there is a machinery
which can be set in motion; there are corporations and urban councils
which can be approached. If public opinion is evident--and it is easy
to organize public opinion in a town--the city representatives will
consider the scheme, and if they approve and it is within their power as
a council, they are able to levy rates to finance the art gallery,
recreation grounds, public gardens, or whatever else. Now let us go to
a country district where there is no organization.
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