A B C of modern socialism

43 surely regard this as providential! For we now know that the two predominant qualities of function are equality and harmony. Probably the two ideas spring from the same source.

If we think seriously of this astonishing coincidence we realise an historic event. Function declares that it can rid the world of scarcity with its attendant miseries. But it must work in conditions of harmony and equality. Labour, now conscious of its economic strength, declares that it, too, must have equality and harmony. It now knows that the wage relationship, sedulously maintained by competitive methods, is spiritually and materially devitalisng: now understands as never before the horrors of man’s exploitation by man. The approaching marriage of Function with Labour is clearly indicated.

The New Discipline

In plain terms, what does this mean? It means, of course, the disappearance of the master class. Where all are partners there can be no masters. Under existing conditions, when A.B. accepts a wage he also accepts a master. Never again!

No masters! Who or what takes their place? There can be only one answer: loyalty to function. Our problem is one of democratic organisation to render function effective and fruitful. Function, in fact, becomes the new master. A new master that demands harmony and shrinks from discord: sees in the humblest work a dignity and personal worth equal to the most exalted. Thus personality comes into its own.