3Itisimpossiblethatalltheseremonstrancesandreproofsshouldnotaffectme，andIshalltrymyverybest，incompletingmydesignandinspeakingoflightasoneofthecharactersofperfection，andofcultureasgivinguslight，toprofitbytheobjectionsIhaveheardandread，andtodriveatpracticeasmuchasIcan，byshowingthecommunicationsandpassagesintopracticallifefromthedoctrinewhichIaminculcating。
4Itissaidthatamanwithmytheoriesofsweetnessandlightisfullofantipathyagainsttherougherorcoarsermovementsgoingonaroundhim，thathewillnotlendahandtothehumbleoperationofuprootingevilbytheirmeans，andthatthereforethebelieversinactiongrowimpatientwithhim。Butwhatifroughandcoarseaction，ill—calculatedaction，actionwithinsufficientlight，is，andhasforalongtimebeen，ourbane？Whatifoururgentwantnowis，nottoactatanyprice，butrathertolayinastockoflightforourdifficulties？Inthatcase，torefusetolendahandtotherougherandcoarsermovementsgoingonroundus，tomaketheprimaryneed，bothforoneselfandothers，toconsistinenlighteningourselvesandqualifyingourselvestoactlessatrandom，issurelythebestandinrealtruththemostpracticallineourendeavourscantake。SothatifIcanshowwhatmyopponentscallroughorcoarseaction，butwhatIwouldrathercallrandomandill—regulatedaction，——actionwithinsufficientlight，actionpursuedbecauseweliketobedoingsomethinganddoingitasweplease，anddonotlikethetroubleofthinkingandthesevereconstraintofanykindofrule，——ifIcanshowthistobe，atthepresentmoment，apracticalmischiefanddangeroustous，thenIhavefoundapracticaluseforlightincorrectingthisstateofthings，andhaveonlytoexemplifyhow，incaseswhichfallundereverybody’sobservation，itmaydealwithit5WhenIbegantospeakofculture，Iinsistedonourbondagetomachinery，onourpronenesstovaluemachineryasanendinitself，withoutlookingbeyondittotheendforwhichalone，intruth，itisvaluable。Freedom，Isaid，wasoneofthosethingswhichwethusworshippedinitself，withoutenoughregardingtheendsforwhichfreedomistobedesired。Inourcommonnotionsandtalkaboutfreedom，weeminentlyshowouridolatryofmachinery。Ourprevalentnotionis，——andIquotedanumberofinstancestoproveit，——thatitisamosthappyandimportantthingforamanmerelytobeabletodoashelikes。Onwhatheistodowhenheisthusfreetodoashelikes，wedonotlaysomuchstress。OurfamiliarpraiseoftheBritishConstitutionunderwhichwelive，isthatitisasystemofchecks，——asystemwhichstopsandparalysesanypowerininterferingwiththefreeactionofindividuals。TothiseffectMr。
Bright，wholovestowalkintheoldwaysoftheConstitution，saidforciblyinoneofhisgreatspeeches，whatmanyotherpeopleareeverydaysayinglessforcibly，thatthecentralideaofEnglishlifeandpoliticsistheassertionofpersonalliberty。Evidentlythisisso；butevidently，also，asfeudalism，whichwithitsideasandhabitsofsubordinationwasformanycenturiessilentlybehindtheBritishConstitution，diesout，andweareleftwithnothingbutoursystemofchecks，andournotionofitsbeingthegreatrightandhappinessofanEnglishmantodoasfaraspossiblewhathelikes，weareindangerofdriftingtowardsanarchy。Wehavenotthenotion，sofamiliarontheContinentandtoantiquity，oftheState，——thenationinitscollectiveandcorporatecharacter，entrustedwithstringentpowersforthegeneraladvantage，andcontrollingindividualwillsinthenameofaninterestwiderthanthatofindividuals。
Wesay，whatisverytrue，thatthisnotionisoftenmadeinstrumentaltotyranny；wesaythataStateisinrealitymadeupoftheindividualswhocomposeit，andthateveryindividualisthebestjudgeofhisowninterests。Ourleadingclassisanaristocracy，andnoaristocracylikesthenotionofaState—authoritygreaterthanitself，withastringentadministrativemachinerysupersedingthedecorativeinutilitiesoflord—lieutenancy，deputy—lieutenancy，andthepossecomitatus，whichareallinitsownhands。Ourmiddleclass，thegreatrepresentativeoftradeandDissent，withitsmaximsofeverymanforhimselfinbusiness，everymanforhimselfinreligion，dreadsapowerfuladministrationwhichmightsomehowinterferewithit；andbesides，ithasitsowndecorativeinutilitiesofvestrymanshipandguardianship，whicharetothisclasswhatlord—lieutenancyandthecountymagistracyaretothearistocraticclass，andastringentadministrationmighteithertakethesefunctionsoutofitshands，orpreventitsexercisingtheminitsowncomfortable，independentmanner，asatpresent。
6Thenastoourworkingclass。Thisclass，pressedconstantlybytheharddailycompulsionofmaterialwants，isnaturallytheverycentreandstrongholdofournationalidea，thatitisman’sidealrightandfelicitytodoashelikes。IthinkIhavesomewhererelatedhowM。MicheletsaidtomeofthepeopleofFrance，thatitwas’anationofbarbarianscivilisedbytheconscription。’Hemeantthatthroughtheirmilitaryservicetheideaofpublicdutyandofdisciplinewasbroughttothemindofthesemasses，inotherrespectssorawanduncultivated。
OurmassesarequiteasrawanduncultivatedastheFrench；andsofarfromtheirhavingtheideaofpublicdutyandofdiscipline，superiortotheindividual’sself—will，broughttotheirmindbyauniversalobligationofmilitaryservice，suchasthatoftheconscription，——sofarfromtheirhavingthis，theveryideaofaconscriptionissoatvariancewithourEnglishnotionoftheprimerightandblessednessofdoingasonelikes，thatIrememberthemanageroftheClayCrossworksinDerbyshiretoldmeduringtheCrimeanwar，whenourwantofsoldierswasmuchfeltandsomepeopleweretalkingofaconscription，thatsoonerthansubmittoaconscriptionthepopulationofthatdistrictwouldfleetothemines，andleadasortofRobinHoodlifeunderground。
7Foralongtime，asIhavesaid，thestrongfeudalhabitsofsubordinationanddeferencecontinuedtotellupontheworkingclass。Themodernspirithasnowalmostentirelydissolvedthosehabits，andtheanarchicaltendencyofourworshipoffreedominandforitself，ofoursuperstitiousfaith，asIsay，inmachinery，isbecomingverymanifest。
Moreandmore，becauseofthisourblindfaithinmachinery，becauseofourwantoflighttoenableustolookbeyondmachinerytotheendforwhichmachineryisvaluable，thisandthatman，andthisandthatbodyofmen，alloverthecountry，arebeginningtoassertandputinpracticeanEnglishman’srighttodowhathelikes；hisrighttomarchwherehelikes，meetwherehelikes，enterwherehelikes，hootashelikes，threatenashelikes，smashashelikes。Allthis，Isay，tendstoanarchy；andthoughanumberofexcellentpeople，andparticularlymyfriendsoftheLiberalorprogressiveparty，astheycallthemselves，arekindenoughtoreassureusbysayingthatthesearetrifles，thatafewtransientoutbreaksofrowdyismsignifynothing，thatoursystemoflibertyisonewhichitselfcuresalltheevilswhichitworks，thattheeducatedandintelligentclassesstandinoverwhelmingstrengthandmajesticrepose，ready，likeourmilitaryforceinriots，toactatamoment’snotice，——yetonefindsthatone’sLiberalfriendsgenerallysaythisbecausetheyhavesuchfaithinthemselvesandtheirnostrums，whentheyshallreturn，asthepublicwelfarerequires，toplaceandpower。Butthisfaithoftheirsonecannotexactlyshare，whenonehassolonghadthemandtheirnostrumsatwork，andseesthattheyhavenotpreventedourcomingtoourpresentembarrassedcondition。
Andonefinds，also，thattheoutbreaksofrowdyismtendtobecomelessandlessoftrifles，tobecomemorefrequentratherthanlessfrequent；
andthatmeanwhileoureducatedandintelligentclassesremainintheirmajesticrepose，andsomehoworother，whateverhappens，theiroverwhelmingstrength，likeourmilitaryforceinriots，neverdoesact。
8How，indeed，shouldtheiroverwhelmingstrengthact，whenthemanwhogivesaninflammatorylecture，orbreaksdowntheparkrailings，orinvadesaSecretaryofState’soffice，isonlyfollowinganEnglishman’simpulsetodoashelikes；andourownconsciencetellsusthatweourselveshavealwaysregardedthisimpulseassomethingprimaryandsacred？Mr。MurphylecturesatBirmingham，andshowersontheCatholicpopulationofthattown’words，’saystheHomeSecretary，’onlyfittobeaddressedtothievesormurderers。’Whatthen？Mr。Murphyhashisownreasonsofseveralkinds。HesuspectstheRomanCatholicChurchofdesignsuponMrs。Murphy；andhesays，ifmayorsandmagistratesdonotcarefortheirwivesanddaughters，hedoes。But，aboveall，heisdoingashelikes；
orinworthierlanguage，assertinghispersonalliberty。’Iwillcarryoutmylecturesiftheywalkovermybodyasadeadcorpse；andIsaytotheMayorofBirminghamthatheismyservantwhileIaminBirmingham，andasmyservanthemustdohisdutyandprotectme。’Touchingandbeautifulwords，whichfindasympatheticchordineveryBritishbosom！Themomentitisplainlyputbeforeusthatamanisassertinghispersonalliberty，wearehalfdisarmed；becausewearebelieversinfreedom，andnotinsomedreamofarightreasontowhichtheassertionofourfreedomistobesubordinated。Accordingly，theSecretaryofStatehadtosaythatalthoughthelecturer’slanguagewas’onlyfittobeaddressedtothievesormurderers，’
yet，’Idonotthinkheistobedeprived，IdonotthinkthatanythingIhavesaidcouldjustifytheinferencethatheistobedeprived，oftherightofprotectioninaplacebuiltbyhimforthepurposeoftheselectures；
becausethelanguagewasnotlanguagewhichaffordedgroundsforacriminalprosecution。’No，nortobesilencedbyMayor，orHomeSecretary，oranyadministrativeauthorityonearth，simplyontheirnotionofwhatisdiscreetandreasonable！Thisisinperfectconsonancewithourpublicopinion，andwithournationallovefortheassertionofpersonalliberty。
9Inquiteanotherdepartmentofaffairs，anexperiencedanddistinguishedChanceryJudgerelatesanincidentwhichisjusttothesameeffectasthisofMr。Murphy。Atestatorbequeathed300l。ayear，tobeforeverappliedasapensiontosomepersonwhohadbeenunsuccessfulinliterature，andwhosedutyshouldbetosupportanddiffuse，byhiswritings，thetestator’sownviews，asenforcedinthetestator’spublications。
Theviewswerenotworthastraw，andthebequestwasappealedagainstintheCourtofChanceryonthegroundofitsabsurdity；but，beingonlyabsurd，itwasupheld，andtheso—calledcharitywasestablished。Having，Isay，atthebottomofourEnglishheartsaverystrongbeliefinfreedom，andaveryweakbeliefinrightreason，wearesoonsilencedwhenamanpleadstheprimerighttodoashelikes，becausethisistheprimerightforourselvestoo；andevenifweattemptnowandthentomumblesomethingaboutreason，yetwehaveourselvesthoughtsolittleaboutthisandsomuchaboutliberty，thatweareinconscienceforced，whenourbrotherPhilistinewithwhomwearemeddlingturnsboldlyrounduponusandasks：Haveyouanylight？——toshakeourheadsruefully，andtolethimgohisownwayafterall。
10Therearemanythingstobesaidonbehalfofthisexclusiveattentionofourstoliberty，andoftherelaxedhabitsofgovernmentwhichithasengendered。Itisveryeasytomistakeortoexaggeratethesortofanarchyfromwhichweareindangerthroughthem。WearenotindangerfromFenianism，fierceandturbulentasitmayshowitself；foragainstthisourconscienceisfreeenoughtoletusactresolutelyandputforthouroverwhelmingstrengththemomentthereisanyrealneedforit。Inthefirstplace，itneverwasanypartofourcreedthatthegreatrightandblessednessofanIrishman，or，indeed，ofanybodyonearthexceptanEnglishman，istodoashelikes；andwecanhavenoscrupleatallaboutabridging，ifnecessary，anon—Englishman’sassertionofpersonalliberty。TheBritishConstitution，itschecks，anditsprimevirtues，areforEnglishmen。Wemayextendthemtoothersoutofloveandkindness；
butwefindnorealdivinelawwrittenonourheartsconstrainingussotoextendthem。AndthenthedifferencebetweenanIrishFenianandanEnglishroughissoimmense，andthecase，indealingwiththeFenian，somuchmoreclear！Heissoevidentlydesperateanddangerous，amanofaconqueredrace，aPapist，withcenturiesofill—usagetoinflamehimagainstus，withanalienreligionestablishedinhiscountrybyusathisexpense，withnoadmirationofourinstitutions，noloveofourvirtues，notalentsforourbusiness，noturnforourcomfort！ShowhimoursymbolicalTrussManufactoryonthefinestsiteinEurope，andtellhimthatBritishindustrialismandindividualismcanbringamantothat，andheremainscold！Evidently，ifwedealtenderlywithasentimentalistlikethis，itisoutofpurephilanthropy。
11ButwiththeHydeParkrioterhowdifferent！Heisourownfleshandblood；heisaProtestant；heisframedbynaturetodoaswedo，hatewhatwehate，lovewhatwelove；heiscapableoffeelingthesymbolicalforceoftheTrussManufactory；thequestionofquestions，forhim，isawagesquestion。ThatbeautifulsentenceSirDanielGoochquotedtotheSwindonworkmen，andwhichItreasureasMrs。Gooch’sGoldenRule，ortheDivineInjunction’BeyePerfect’doneintoBritish，——thesentenceSirDanielGooch’smotherrepeatedtohimeverymorningwhenhewasaboygoingtowork：’Everremember，mydearDan，thatyoushouldlookforwardtobeingsomedaymanagerofthatconcern！’——thisfruitfulmaximisperfectlyfittedtoshineforthintheheartoftheHydeParkroughalso，andtobehisguiding—starthroughlife。Hehasnovisionaryschemesofrevolutionandtransformation，thoughofcoursehewouldlikehisclasstorule，asthearistocraticclassliketheirclasstorule，andthemiddleclasstheirs。Butmeanwhileoursocialmachineisalittleoutoforder；thereareagoodmanypeopleinourparadisiacalcentresofindustrialismandindividualismtakingthebreadoutofoneanother’smouths。Theroughhasnotyetquitefoundhisgrooveandsettleddowntohiswork，andsoheisjustassertinghispersonallibertyalittle，goingwherehelikes，assemblingwherehelikes，bawlingashelikes，hustlingashelikes。Justastherestofus，——asthecountrysquiresinthearistocraticclass，asthepoliticaldissentersinthemiddleclass，——hehasnoideaofaState，ofthenationinitscollectiveandcorporatecharactercontrolling，asgovernment，thefreeswingofthisorthatoneofitsmembersinthenameofthehigherreasonofallofthem，hisownaswellasthatofothers。Heseestherich，thearistocraticclass，inoccupationoftheexecutivegovernment，andsoifheisstoppedfrommakingHydeParkabear—gardenorthestreetsimpassable，hesaysheisbeingbutcheredbythearistocracy。
12Hisapparitionissomewhatembarrassing，becausetoomanycooksspoilthebroth；because，whilethearistocraticandmiddleclasseshavelongbeendoingastheylikewithgreatvigour，hehasbeentooundevelopedandsubmissivehithertotojoininthegame；andnow，whenhedoescome，hecomesinimmensenumbers，andisratherrawandrough。
Buthedoesnotbreakmanylaws，ornotmanyatonetime；and，asourlawsweremadeforverydifferentcircumstancesfromourpresent（butalwayswithaneyetoEnglishmendoingastheylike），andastheclearletterofthelawmustbeagainstourEnglishmanwhodoesashelikesandnotonlythespiritofthelawandpublicpolicy，andasGovernmentmustneitherhaveanydiscretionarypowernoractresolutelyonitsowninterpretationofthelawifanyonedisputesit，itisevidentourlawsgiveourplayfulgiant，indoingashelikes，considerableadvantage。Besides，evenifhecanbeclearlyprovedtocommitanillegalityindoingashelikes，thereisalwaystheresourceofnotputtingthelawinforce，orofabolishingit。Sohehashisway，andifhehashiswayheissoonsatisfiedforthetime。However，hefallsintothehabitoftakingitoftenerandoftener，andatlastbeginstocreatebyhisoperationsaconfusionofwhichmischievouspeoplecantakeadvantage，andwhichatanyrate，bytroublingthecommoncourseofbusinessthroughoutthecountry，tendstocausedistress，andsotoincreasethesortofanarchyandsocialdisintegrationwhichhadpreviouslycommenced。Andthusthatprofoundsenseofsettledorderandsecurity，withoutwhichasocietylikeourscannotliveandgrowatall，sometimesseemstobebeginningtothreatenuswithtakingitsdeparture。
13Now，ifculture，whichsimplymeanstryingtoperfectoneself，andone’smindaspartofoneself，bringsuslight，andiflightshowsusthatthereisnothingsoveryblessedinmerelydoingasonelikes，thattheworshipofthemerefreedomtodoasonelikesisworshipofmachinery，thatthereallyblessedthingistolikewhatrightreasonordains，andtofollowherauthority，thenwehavegotapracticalbenefitoutofculture。
Wehavegotamuchwantedprinciple，aprincipleofauthority，tocounteractthetendencytoanarchywhichseemstobethreateningus。
14Buthowtoorganisethisauthority，ortowhathandstoentrustthewieldingofit？HowtogetyourState，summinguptherightreasonofthecommunity，andgivingeffecttoit，ascircumstancesmayrequire，withvigour？AndhereIthinkIseemyenemieswaitingformewithahungryjoyintheireyes。ButIshalleludethem。
15TheState，thepowermostrepresentingtherightreasonofthenation，andmostworthy，therefore，ofruling，——ofexercising，whencircumstancesrequireit，authorityoverusall，——isforMr。Carlylethearistocracy。ForMr。Lowe，itisthemiddleclasswithitsincomparableParliament。FortheReformLeague，itistheworkingclass，theclasswith’thebrightestpowersofsympathyandreadiestpowersofaction。’Nowculture，withitsdisinterestedpursuitofperfection，culture，simplytryingtoseethingsastheyareinordertoseizeonthebestandtomakeitprevail，issurelywellfittedtohelpustojudgerightly，byalltheaidsofobserving，reading，andthinking，thequalificationsandtitlestoourconfidenceofthesethreecandidatesforauthority，andcanthusrenderusapracticalserviceofnomeanvalue。
16SowhenMr。Carlyle，amanofgeniustowhomwehaveallatonetimeorotherbeenindebtedforrefreshmentandstimulus，saysweshouldgiveruletothearistocracy，mainlybecauseofitsdignityandpoliteness，surelycultureisusefulinremindingus，thatinourideaofperfectionthecharactersofbeautyandintelligencearebothofthempresent，andsweetnessandlight，thetwonoblestofthings，areunited。
Allowing，therefore，withMr。Carlyle，thearistocraticclasstopossesssweetness，cultureinsistsonthenecessityoflightalso，andshowsusthataristocracies，beingbytheverynatureofthingsinaccessibletoideas，unapttoseehowtheworldisgoing，mustbesomewhatwantinginlight，andmustthereforebe，atamomentwhenlightisourgreatrequisite，inadequatetoourneeds。Aristocracies，thosechildrenoftheestablishedfact，areforepochsofconcentration。Inepochsofexpansion，epochssuchasthatinwhichwenowlive，epochswhenalwaysthewarningvoiceisagainheard：Nowisthejudgmentofthisword，——insuchepochsaristocracieswiththeirnaturalclingingtotheestablishedfact，theirwantofsenseforthefluxofthings，fortheinevitabletransitorinessofallhumaninstitutions，arebewilderedandhelpless。Theirserenity，theirhighspirit，theirpowerofhaughtyresistance，——thegreatqualitiesofanaristocracy，andthesecretofitsdistinguishedmannersanddignity，——theseveryqualities，inanepochofexpansion，turnagainsttheirpossessors。AgainandagainIhavesaidhowtherefinementofanaristocracymaybepreciousandeducativetoarawnationasakindofshadowoftruerefinement；howitsserenityanddignifiedfreedomfrompettycaresmayserveasausefulfoiltosetoffthevulgarityandhideousnessofthattypeoflifewhichahardmiddleclasstendstoestablish，andtohelppeopletoseethisvulgarityandhideousnessintheirtruecolours。ButthetruegraceandserenityisthatofwhichGreeceandGreekartsuggesttheadmirableidealsofperfection，——aserenitywhichcomesfromhavingmadeorderamongideasandharmonisedthem；whereastheserenityofaristocracies，atleastthepeculiarserenityofaristocraciesofTeutonicorigin，appearstocomefromtheirneverhavinghadanyideastotroublethem。Andso，inatimeofexpansionlikethepresent，atimeforideas，onegets，perhaps，inregardinganaristocracy，evenmorethantheideaofserenity，theideaoffutilityandsterility。
17Onehasoftenwonderedwhetheruponthewholeearththereisanythingsounintelligent，sounapttoperceivehowtheworldisreallygoing，asanordinaryyoungEnglishmanofourupperclass。Ideashehasnot，andneitherhashethatseriousnessofourmiddleclasswhichis，asIhaveoftensaid，thegreatstrengthofthisclass，andmaybecomeitssalvation。Why，amanmayhearayoungDivesofthearistocraticclass，whenthewhimtakeshimtosingthepraisesofwealthandmaterialcomfort，singthemwithacynicismfromwhichtheconscienceoftheveriestPhilistineofourindustrialmiddleclasswouldrecoilinaffright。Andwhen，withthenaturalsympathyofaristocraciesforfirmdealingwiththemultitude，andhisuneasinessatourfeebledealingwithitathome，anunvarnishedyoungEnglishmanofouraristocraticclassapplaudstheabsoluterulersontheContinent，heingeneralmanagescompletelytomissthegroundsofreasonandintelligencewhichalonecangiveanycolourofjustification，anypossibilityofexistence，tothoserulers，andapplaudsthemongroundswhichitwouldmaketheirownhairstandonendtolistento。
18Andallthistimeweareinanepochofexpansion；
andtheessenceofanepochofexpansionisamovementofideas，andtheonesalvationofanepochofexpansionisaharmonyofideas。Theveryprincipleoftheauthoritywhichweareseekingasadefenceagainstanarchyisrightreason，ideas，light。Themore，therefore，anaristocracycallstoitsaiditsinnateforces，——itsimpenetrability，itshighspirit，itspowerofhaughtyresistance，——todealwithanepochofexpansion，thegraveristhedanger，thegreaterthecertaintyofexplosion，thesurerthearistocracy’sdefeat；foritistryingtodoviolencetonatureinsteadofworkingalongwithit。Thebestpowersshownbythebestmenofanaristocracyatsuchanepochare，itwillbeobserved，non—aristocraticalpowers，powersofindustry，powersofintelligence；andthesepowersthusexhibited，tendreallynottostrengthenthearistocracy，buttotaketheirownersoutofit，toexposethemtothedissolvingagenciesofthoughtandchange，tomakethemmenofthemodernspiritandofthefuture。If，assometimeshappens，theyaddtotheirnon—aristocraticalqualitiesoflabourandthought，astrongdoseofaristocraticalqualitiesalso，——ofpride，defiance，turnforresistance，——thistrulyaristocraticalsideofthem，sofarfromaddinganystrengthtothem，reallyneutralizestheirforceandmakesthemimpracticableandineffective。
19Knowingmyselftobeindeedsadlytoseek，asoneofmymanycriticssays，in’aphilosophywithcoherent，interdependent，subordinateandderivativeprinciples，’Icontinuallyhaverecoursetoaplainman’sexpedientoftryingtomakewhatfewsimplenotionsIhave，clearerandmoreintelligibletomyselfbymeansofexampleandillustration。
AndhavingbeenbroughtupatOxfordinthebadoldtimes，whenwewerestuffedwithGreekandAristotle，andthoughtnothingofpreparingourselvesbythestudyofmodernlanguages，——asafterMr。Lowe’sgreatspeechatEdinburghweshalldo，——tofightthebattleoflifewiththewaitersinforeignhotels，myheadisstillfullofalumberofphraseswelearntatOxfordfromAristotle，aboutvirtuebeinginamean，andaboutexcessanddefectandsoon。OncewhenIhadhadtheadvantageoflisteningtotheReformdebatesintheHouseofCommons，havingheardanumberofinterestingspeakers，andamongthemawell—knownlordandawell—knownbaronet，I
rememberitstruckme，applyingAristotle’smachineryofthemeantomyideasaboutouraristocracy，thatthelordwasexactlytheperfection，orhappymean，orvirtue，ofaristocracy，andthebaronettheexcess。AndIfanciedthatbyobservingthesetwowemightseeboththeinadequacyofaristocracytosupplytheprincipleofauthorityneedfulforourpresentwants，andthedangerofitstryingtosupplyitwhenitwasnotreallycompetentforthebusiness。Ontheonehand，inthebrilliantlord，showingplentyofhighspirit，butremarkable，faraboveandbeyondhisgiftofhighspirit，forthefinetemperingofhishighspirit，forease，serenity，politeness，——thegreatvirtues，asMr。Carlylesays，ofaristocracy，——inthisbeautifulandvirtuousmean，thereseemedevidentlysomeinsufficiencyoflight；while，ontheotherhand，theworthybaronet，inwhomthehighspiritofaristocracy，itsimpenetrability，defiantcourage，andprideofresistance，weredevelopedeveninexcess，wasmanifestlycapable，ifhehadhiswaygivenhim，ofcausingusgreatdanger，and，indeed，ofthrowingthewholecommonwealthintoconfusion。ThenIrevertedtothatoldfundamentalnotionofmineaboutthegrandmeritofourracebeingreallyourhonesty。
Andtheveryhelplessnessofouraristocraticorgoverningclassindealingwithourperturbedsocialcondition，theirjealousyofentrustingtoomuchpowertotheStateasitnowactuallyexists——thatistothemselves——gavemeasortofprideandsatisfaction；becauseIsawtheywere，asawhole，toohonesttotryandmanageabusinessforwhichtheydidnotfeelthemselvescapable。
20Surely，now，itisnoinconsiderableboonwhichcultureconfersuponus，ifinembarrassedtimeslikethepresentitenablesustolookattheinsandtheoutsofthingsinthisway，withouthatredandwithoutpartiality，andwithadispositiontoseethegoodineverybodyallround。AndItrytofollowjustthesamecoursewithourmiddleclassaswithouraristocracy。Mr。Lowetalkstousofthisstrongmiddlepartofthenation，oftheunrivalleddeedsofourLiberalmiddle—classParliament，ofthenoble，theheroicworkithasperformedinthelastthirtyyears；
andIbegintoaskmyselfifweshallnot，then，findinourmiddleclasstheprincipleofauthoritywewant，andifwehadnotbettertakeadministrationaswellaslegislationawayfromtheweakextremewhichnowadministersforus，andcommitbothtothestrongmiddlepart。Iobserve，too，thattheheroesofmiddle—classliberalism，suchaswehavehithertoknownit，speakwithakindofpropheticanticipationofthegreatdestinywhichawaitsthem，andasifthefuturewasclearlytheirs。Theadvancedparty，theprogressiveparty，thepartyinalliancewiththefuture，arethenamestheyliketogivethemselves。’Theprincipleswhichwillobtainrecognitioninthefuture，’saysMr。Miall，apersonageofdeservedeminenceamongthepoliticalDissenters，astheyarecalled，whohavebeenthebackboneofmiddle—classliberalism——’theprincipleswhichwillobtainrecognitioninthefuturearetheprinciplesforwhichIhavelongandzealouslylaboured。
Iqualifiedmyselfforjoiningintheworkofharvestbydoingtothebestofmyabilitythedutiesofseedtime。’Theseduties，ifoneistogatherthemfromtheworksofthegreatLiberalpartyinthelastthirtyyears，are，asIhaveelsewheresummedthemup，theadvocacyoffreetrade，ofParliamentaryreform，ofabolitionofchurch—rates，ofvoluntaryisminreligionandeducation，ofnon—interferenceoftheStatebetweenemployersandemployed，andofmarriagewithone’sdeceasedwife’ssister。
21NowIknow，whenIobjectthatallthisismachinery，thegreatLiberalmiddleclasshasbythistimegrowncunningenoughtoanswerthatitalwaysmeantmorebythesethingsthanmeetstheeye；thatithashadthatwithinwhichpassesshow，andthatwearesoongoingtosee，inaFreeChurchandallmannerofgoodthings，whatitwas。ButI
havelearnedfromBishopWilson（ifMr。FredericHarrisonwillforgivemyagainquotingthatpooroldhierophantofadecayedsuperstition）：’Ifwewouldreallyknowourheartletusimpartiallyviewouractions；’andIcannothelpthinkingthatifourLiberalshadhadsomuchsweetnessandlightintheirinnermindsastheyallege，moreofitmusthavecomeoutintheirsayingsanddoings。
22AnAmericanfriendoftheEnglishLiberalssays，indeed，thattheirDissidenceofDissenthasbeenamereinstrumentofthepoliticalDissentersformakingreasonandthewillofGodprevail（andnodoubthewouldsaythesameofmarriagewithone’sdeceasedwife’ssister）；andthattheabolitionofaStateChurchismerelytheDissenter’smeanstothisend，justascultureismine。AnotherAmericandefenderoftheirssaysjustthesameoftheirindustrialismandfreetrade；indeed，thisgentleman，takingthebullbythehorns，proposesthatweshouldforthefuturecallindustrialismculture，andtheindustrialiststhemenofculture，andthenofcoursetherecanbenolongeranymisapprehensionabouttheirtruecharacter；andbesidesthepleasureofbeingwealthyandcomfortable，theywillhaveauthenticrecognitionasvesselsofsweetnessandlight。
23Allthisisundoubtedlyspecious；butImustremarkthatthecultureofwhichItalkedwasanendeavourtocomeatreasonandthewillofGodbymeansofreading，observing，andthinking；andthatwhoevercallsanythingelseculture，may，indeed，callitsoifhelikes，butthenhetalksofsomethingquitedifferentfromwhatItalkedof。And，again，asculture’swayofworkingforreasonandthewillofGodisbydirectlytryingtoknowmoreaboutthem，whiletheDissidenceofDissentisevidentlyinitselfnoeffortofthiskind，norisitsFreeChurch，infact，achurchwithworthierconceptionsofGodandtheorderingoftheworldthantheStateChurchprofesses，butwithmainlythesameconceptionsoftheseastheStateChurchhas，onlythateverymanistocomporthimselfashelikesinprofessingthem，——thisbeingso，IcannotatonceaccepttheNonconformityanymorethantheindustrialismandtheothergreatworksofourLiberalmiddleclassasproofpositivethatthisclassisinpossessionoflight，andthathereisthetrueseatofauthorityforwhichweareinsearch；butImusttryalittlefurther，andseekforotherindicationswhichmayenablemetomakeupmymind。
24Whyshouldwenotdowiththemiddleclassaswehavedonewiththearistocraticclass，——findinitsomerepresentativemenwhomaystandforthevirtuousmeanofthisclass，fortheperfectionofitspresentqualitiesandmodeofbeing，andalsofortheexcessofthem。SuchmenmustclearlynotbemenofgeniuslikeMr。Bright；for，asIhaveformerlysaid，sofarasamanhasgeniushetendstotakehimselfoutofthecategoryofclassaltogether，andtobecomesimplyaman。Somemoreordinarymanwouldbemoretothepurpose，——wouldsumupbetterinhimself，withoutdisturbinginfluences，thegeneralliberalforceofthemiddleclass，theforcebywhichithasdoneitsgreatworksoffreetrade，Parliamentaryreform，voluntaryism，andsoon，andthespiritinwhichithasdonethem。Nowithappens。thatatypicalmiddle—classman，thememberforoneofourchiefindustrialcities，hasgivenusafamoussentencewhichbearsdirectlyontheresolutionofourpresentquestion：whetherthereislightenoughinourmiddleclasstomakeittheproperseatoftheauthoritywewishtoestablish。Whentherewasatalksomelittlewhileagoaboutthestateofmiddle—classeducation，ourfriend，astherepresentativeofthatclass，spokesomememorablewords：——’Therehadbeenacrythatmiddle—classeducationoughttoreceivemoreattention。Heconfessedhimselfverymuchsurprisedbytheclamourthatwasraised。Hedidnotthinkthatclassneedexcitethesympathyeitherofthelegislatureorthepublic。’
Nowthissatisfactionofourmiddle—classmemberofParliamentwiththementalstateofthemiddleclasswastrulyrepresentative，andmakesgoodhisclaimtostandasthebeautifulandvirtuousmeanofthatclass。Butitisobviouslyatvariancewithourdefinitionofculture，orthepursuitoflightandperfection，whichmadelightandperfectionconsist，notinrestingandbeing，butingrowingandbecoming，inaperpetualadvanceinbeautyandwisdom。Sothemiddleclassisbyitsessence，asonemaysay，byitsincomparableself—satisfactiondecisivelyexpressedthroughitsbeautifulandvirtuousmean，self—excludedfromwieldinganauthorityofwhichlightistobetheverysoul。
25Clearasthisis，itwillbemadeclearerstillifwetakesomerepresentativemanastheexcessofthemiddleclass，andrememberthatthemiddleclass，ingeneral，istobeconceivedasabodyswayingbetweenthequalitiesofitsmeanandofitsexcess，andonthewhole，ofcourse，ashumannatureisconstituted，incliningrathertowardstheexcessthanthemean。OfitsexcessnobetterrepresentativecanpossiblybeimaginedthanaDissentingministerfromWalsall，whocamebeforethepublicinconnexionwiththeproceedingsatBirminghamofMr。Murphy，alreadymentioned。SpeakinginthemidstofanirritatedpopulationofCatholics，thisWalsallgentlemanexclaimed：——’Isay，then，awaywiththeMass！Itisfromthebottomlesspit；andinthebottomlesspitshallallliarshavetheirpart，inthelakethatburnethwithfireandbrimstone。’Andagain：
’WhenallthepratieswereblackinIreland，whydidn’tthepriestssaythehocus—pocusoverthem，andmakethemallgoodagain？’Heshared，too，Mr。Murphy’sfearsofsomeinvasionofhisdomestichappiness：’WhatI
wishtosaytoyouasProtestanthusbandsis，Takecareofyourwives！’
And，finally，inthetrueveinofanEnglishmandoingashelikes，aveinofwhichIhaveatsomelengthpointedoutthepresentdangers，herecommendedforimitationtheexampleofsomechurch—wardensatDublin，amongwhom，saidhe，’therewasaLutherandalsoaMelanchthon，’whohadmadeveryshortworkwithsomeritualistorother，hauledhimdownfromhispulpit，andkickedhimoutofchurch。Nowitismanifest，asIsaidinthecaseofouraristocraticalbaronet，thatifweletthisexcessofthesturdyEnglishmiddleclass，thisconscientiousProtestantDissenter，sostrong，soself—reliant，sofullypersuadedinhisownmind，havehisway，hewouldbecapable，withhiswantoflight，——or，tousethelanguageofthereligiousworld，withhiszealwithoutknowledge，——ofstirringupstrifewhichneitherhenoranyoneelsecouldeasilycompose。
26Andthencomesin，asitdidalsowiththearistocracy，thehonestyofourrace，andbythevoiceofanothermiddle—classman，AldermanoftheCityofLondonandColoneloftheCityofLondonMilitia，proclaimsthatithastwingesofconscience，andthatitwillnotattempttocopewithoursocialdisorders，andtodealwithabusinesswhichitfeelstobetoohighforit。EveryoneremembershowthisvirtuousAlderman—Colonel，orColonel—Alderman，ledhismilitiathroughtheLondonstreets；howthebystandersgatheredtoseehimpass；howtheLondonroughs，assertinganEnglishman’sbestandmostblissfulrightofdoingwhathelikes，robbedandbeatthebystanders；andhowtheblamelesswarrior—magistraterefusedtolethistroopsinterfere。’Thecrowd，’hetouchinglysaidafterwards，’wasmostlycomposedoffinehealthystrongmen，bentonmischief；ifhehadallowedhissoldierstointerferetheymighthavebeenoverpowered，theirriflestakenfromthemandusedagainstthembythemob；ariot，infact，mighthaveensued，andbeenattendedwithbloodshed，comparedwithwhichtheassaultsandlossofpropertythatactuallyoccurredwouldhavebeenasnothing。’HonestandaffectingtestimonyoftheEnglishmiddleclasstoitsowninadequacyfortheauthoritativepartone’sadmirationwouldsometimesinclineonetoassigntoit！’Whoarewe，’theysaybythevoiceoftheirAlderman—Colonel，’thatweshouldnotbeoverpoweredifweattempttocopewithsocialanarchy，ourriflestakenfromusandusedagainstusbythemob，andwe，perhaps，robbedandbeatenourselves？
Orwhatlighthavewe，beyondafree—bornEnglishman’simpulsetodoashelikes，whichcouldjustifyusinpreventing，atthecostofbloodshed，otherfree—bornEnglishmenfromdoingastheylike，androbbingandbeatingusasmuchastheyplease？’
27Thisdistrustofthemselvesasanadequatecentreofauthoritydoesnotmarktheworkingclass，aswasshownbytheirreadinesstheotherdayinHydeParktotakeuponthemselvesallthefunctionsofgovernment。Butthiscomesfromtheworkingclassbeing，asIhaveoftensaid，stillanembryo，ofwhichnoonecanyetquiteforeseethefinaldevelopment；andfromitsnothavingthesameexperienceandself—knowledgeasthearistocraticandmiddleclasses。Honestyitnodoubthas，justliketheotherclassesofEnglishmen，buthonestyinaninchoateanduntrainedstate；andmeanwhileitspowersofaction，whichare，asMr。FredericHarrisonsays，exceedinglyready，easilyrunawaywithit。Thatitcannotatpresenthaveasufficiencyoflightwhichcomesbyculture，——thatis，byreading，observing，andthinking，——isclearfromtheverynatureofitscondition；
and，indeed，wesawthatMr。FredericHarrison，inseekingtomakeafreestageforitsbrightpowersofsympathyandreadypowersofaction，hadtobeginbythrowingoverboardculture，andfloutingitasonlyfitforaprofessorofbelleslettres。Still，tomakeitperfectlymanifestthatnomoreintheworkingclassthaninthearistocraticandmiddleclassescanonefindanadequatecentreofauthority，——thatis，ascultureteachesustoconceiveourrequiredauthority，oflight，——letusagainfollow，withthisclass，themethodwehavefollowedwiththearistocraticandmiddleclasses，andtrytobringbeforeourmindsrepresentativemen，whomayfiguretousitsvirtueanditsexcess。
28Wemustnottake，ofcourse，menlikethechiefsoftheHydeParkdemonstration，ColonelDicksonorMr。Beales；becauseColonelDickson，byhismartialprofessionanddashingexterior，seemstobelongproperly，likeJuliusCaesarandMirabeauandothergreatpopularleaders，tothearistocraticclass，andtobecarriedintothepopularranksonlybyhisambitionorhisgenius；whileMr。Bealesbelongstooursolidmiddleclass，and，perhaps，ifhehadnotbeenagreatpopularleader，wouldhavebeenaPhilistine。ButMr。Odger，whosespeecheswehaveallread，andofwhomhisfriendsrelate，besides，muchthatisfavourable，mayverywellstandforthebeautifulandvirtuousmeanofourpresentworkingclass；andIthinkeverybodywilladmitthatinMr。Odgerthereismanifestly，withallhisgoodpoints，someinsufficiencyoflight。Theexcessoftheworkingclass，initspresentstateofdevelopment，isperhapsbestshowninMr。Bradlaugh，theiconoclast，whoseemstobealmostforbaptizingusallinbloodandfireintohisnewsocialdispensation，andtowhosereflexions，nowthatIhaveoncebeensetgoingonBishopWilson’strack，Icannotforbearcommendingthismaximofthegoodoldman：’Intemperanceintalkmakesadreadfulhavocintheheart。’Mr。Bradlaugh，likeourtypesofexcessinthearistocraticandmiddleclasses，isevidentlycapable，ifhehadhisheadgivenhim，ofrunningusallintogreatdangersandconfusion。Iconclude，therefore，——whatindeed，fewofthosewhodomethehonourtoreadthisdisquisitionarelikelytodispute，——thatwecanaslittlefindintheworkingclassasinthearistocraticorinthemiddleclassourmuch—wantedsourceofauthority，asculturesuggestsittous。
29Well，then，whatifwetriedtoriseabovetheideaofclasstotheideaofthewholecommunity，theState，andtofindourcentreoflightandauthoritythere？Everyoneofushastheideaofcountry，asasentiment；hardlyanyoneofushastheideaoftheState，asaworkingpower。Andwhy？Becausewehabituallyliveinourordinaryselves，whichdonotcarryusbeyondtheideasandwishesoftheclasstowhichwehappentobelong。AndweareallafraidofgivingtotheStatetoomuchpower，becauseweonlyconceiveoftheStateassomethingequivalenttotheclassinoccupationoftheexecutivegovernment，andareafraidofthatclassabusingpowertoitsownpurposes。IfwestrengthentheStatewiththearistocraticclassinoccupationoftheexecutivegovernment，weimaginewearedeliveringourselvesupcaptivetotheideasandwishesofourfiercearistocraticalbaronet；ifwiththemiddleclassinoccupationoftheexecutivegovernment，tothoseofourtruculentmiddle—classDissentingminister；ifwiththeworkingclass，tothoseofitsnotorioustribune，Mr。Bradlaugh。Andwithmuchjustice；owingtotheexaggeratednotionwhichweEnglish，asIhavesaid，entertainoftherightandblessednessofthemeredoingasonelikes，oftheaffirmingoneself，andoneselfjustasitis。Peopleofthearistocraticclasswanttoaffirmtheirordinaryselves，theirlikingsanddislikings；peopleofthemiddleclassthesame，peopleoftheworkingclassthesame。Byourevery—dayselves，however，weareseparate，personal，atwar；weareonlysafefromoneanother’styrannywhennoonehasanypower；andthissafety，initsturn，cannotsaveusfromanarchy。Andwhen，therefore，anarchypresentsitselfasadangertous，weknownotwheretoturn。
30Butbyourbestselfweareunited，impersonal，atharmony。Weareinnoperilfromgivingauthoritytothis，becauseitisthetruestfriendweallofuscanhave；andwhenanarchyisadangertous，tothisauthoritywemayturnwithsuretrust。Well，andthisistheveryselfwhichculture，orthestudyofperfection，seekstodevelopinus；attheexpenseofourolduntransformedself，takingpleasureonlyindoingwhatitlikesorisusedtodo，andexposingustotheriskofclashingwitheveryoneelsewhoisdoingthesame！Sothatourpoorculture，whichisfloutedassounpractical，leadsustotheveryideascapableofmeetingthegreatwantofourpresentembarrassedtimes！Wewantanauthority，andwefindnothingbutjealousclasses，checks，andadeadlock；
culturesuggeststheideaoftheState。WefindnobasisforafirmState—powerinourordinaryselves；culturesuggestsonetousinourbestself。
31Itcannotbutacutelytryatenderconsciencetobeaccused，inapracticalcountrylikeours，ofkeepingalooffromtheworkandhopeofamultitudeofearnest—heartedmen，andofmerelytoyingwithpoetryandaesthetics。SoitiswithnolittlesenseofreliefthatIfindmyselfthusinthepositionofonewhomakesacontributioninaidofthepracticalnecessitiesofourtimes。Thegreatthing，itwillbeobserved，istofindourbestself，andtoseektoaffirmnothingbutthat；not，——asweEnglishwithourover—valueformerelybeingfreeandbusyhavebeensoaccustomedtodo，——restingsatisfiedwithaselfwhichcomesuppermostlongbeforeourbestself，andaffirmingthatwithblindenergy。Inshort，——togobackyetoncemoretoBishopWilson，——ofthesetwoexcellentrulesofBishopWilson’sforaman’sguidance：’Firstly，nevergoagainstthebestlightyouhave；secondly，takecarethatyourlightbenotdarkness，’weEnglishhavefollowedwithpraiseworthyzealthefistrule，butwehavenotgivensomuchheedtothesecond。Wehavegonemanfullyaccordingtothebestlightwehave；butwehavenottakenenoughcarethatthisshouldbereallythebestlightpossibleforus，thatitshouldnotbedarkness。And，ourhonestybeingverygreat，consciencehaswhisperedtousthatthelightwewerefollowing，ourordinaryself，was，indeed，perhaps，onlyaninferiorself，onlydarkness；andthatitwouldnotdotoimposethisseriouslyonalltheworld。
32Butourbestselfinspiresfaith，andiscapableofaffordingaseriousprincipleofauthority。Forexample。WeareonourwaytowhatthelateDukeofWellington，withhisstrongsagacity，foresawandadmirablydescribedasarevolutionbyduecourseoflaw。’Thisisundoubtedly，——ifwearestilltoliveandgrow，andthisfamousnationisnottostagnateanddwindleawayontheonehand，or，ontheother，toperishmiserablyinmereanarchyandconfusions，——whatweareonthewayto。Greatchangestheremustbe，forarevolutioncannotaccomplishitselfwithoutgreatchanges；yetordertheremustbe，forwithoutorderarevolutioncannotaccomplishitselfbyduecourseoflaw。Sowhateverbringsriskoftumultanddisorder，multitudinousprocessionsinthestreetsofourcrowdedtowns，multitudinousmeetingsintheirpublicplacesandparks，——demonstrationsperfectlyunnecessaryinthepresentcourseofouraffairs，——ourbestself，orrightreason，plainlyenjoinsustosetourfacesagainst。Itenjoinsustoencourageandupholdtheoccupantsoftheexecutivepower，whoevertheymaybe，infirmlyprohibitingthem。Butitdoesthisclearlyandresolutely，andisthusarealprincipleofauthority，becauseitdoesitwithafreeconscience；becauseinthusprovisionallystrengtheningtheexecutivepower，itknowsthatitisnotdoingthismerelytoenableouraristocraticalbaronettoaffirmhimselfasagainstourworkingmen’stribune，orourmiddle—classDissentertoaffirmhimselfasagainstboth。ItknowsthatitisestablishingtheState，ororganofourcollectivebestself，ofournationalrightreason。AndithasthetestimonyofconsciencethatitisstablishingtheStateonbehalfofwhatevergreatchangesareneeded，justasmuchasonbehalfoforder；stablishingittodealjustasstringently，whenthetimecomes，withourbaronet’saristocraticalprejudices，orwiththefanaticismofourmiddle—classDissenter，asitdealswithMr。Bradlaugh’sstreet—processions。UTEL：CultureandAnarchyCHAPTERIII。
BARBARIANS，PHILISTINES，POPULACE
1Fromamanwithoutaphilosophynoonecanexpectphilosophicalcompleteness。ThereforeImayobservewithoutshame，thatintryingtogetadistinctnotionofouraristocratic，ourmiddle，andourworkingclass，withaviewoftestingtheclaimsofeachoftheseclassestobecomeacentreofauthority，Ihaveomitted，Ifind，tocompletetheold—fashionedanalysiswhichIhadthefancyofapplying，andhavenotshownintheseclasses，aswellasthevirtuousmeanandtheexcess，thedefectalso。Idonotknowthattheomissionverymuchmatters。Stillasclearnessistheonemeritwhichaplain，unsystematicwriter，withoutaphilosophy，canhopetohave，andasournotionofthethreegreatEnglishclassesmayperhapsbemadeclearerifweseetheirdistinctivequalitiesinthedefect，aswellasintheexcessandinthemean，letustry，beforeproceedingfurther，toremedythisomission。
2Itismanifest，iftheperfectandvirtuousmeanofthatfinespiritwhichisthedistinctivequalityofaristocracies，istobefoundinahigh，chivalrousstyle，anditsexcessinafierceturnforresistance，thatitsdefectmustlieinaspiritnotboldandhighenough，andinanexcessiveandpusillanimousunaptnessforresistance。
If，again，theperfectandvirtuousmeanofthatforcebywhichourmiddleclasshasdoneitsgreatworks，andofthatselfreliancewithwhichitcontemplatesitselfandthem，istobeseenintheperformancesandspeechesofourcommercialmemberofParliament，andtheexcessofthatforceandofthatself—relianceintheperformancesandspeechesofourfanaticalDissentingminister，thenitismanifestthattheirdefectmustlieinahelplessinaptitudeforthegreatworksofthemiddleclass，andinapooranddespicablelackofitsself—satisfaction。
3Tobechosentoexemplifythehappymeanofagoodquality，orsetofgoodqualities，isevidentlyapraisetoaman；nay，tobechosentoexemplifyeventheirexcess，isakindofpraise。ThereforeIcouldhavenohesitationintakingactualpersonagestoexemplify，respectively，themeanandtheexcessofaristocraticandmiddle—classqualities。Butperhapstheremightbeawantofurbanityinsinglingoutthisorthatpersonageastherepresentativeofdefect。ThereforeIshallleavethedefectofaristocracyunillustratedbyanyrepresentativeman。Butwithoneselfonemayalways，withoutimpropriety，dealquitefreely；and，indeed，thissortofplain—dealingwithoneselfhasinit，asallthemoraliststellus，somethingverywholesome。SoIwillventuretohumblyoffermyselfasanillustrationofdefectinthoseforcesandqualitieswhichmakeourmiddleclasswhatitis。The；toowell—foundedreproachesofmyopponentsdeclarehowlittleIhavelentahandtothegreatworksofthemiddleclass；foritisevidentlytheseworks，andmyslacknessatthem，whicharemeant，whenIamsaidto’refusetolendahandtothehumbleoperationofuprootingcertaindefiniteevils’（suchaschurch—ratesandothers），andthattherefore’thebelieversinactiongrowimpatient’withme。Theline，again，ofastillunsatisfiedseekerwhichIhavefollowed，theideaofselftransformation，ofgrowingtowardssomemeasureofsweetnessandlightnotyetreached，isevidentlyatcleanvariancewiththeperfectself—satisfactioncurrentinmyclass，themiddleclass，andmayservetoindicateinme，therefore，theextremedefectofthisfeeling。Buttheseconfessions，thoughsalutary，arebitterandunpleasant。
4Topass，then，totheworkingclass。ThedefectofthisclasswouldbethefallingshortinwhatMr。FredericHarrisoncallsthose’brightpowersofsympathyandreadypowersofaction，’ofwhichwesawinMr。Odgerthevirtuousmean，andinMr。Bradlaughtheexcess。
Theworkingclassissofastgrowingandrisingatthepresenttime，thatinstancesofthisdefectcannotwellbenowverycommon。PerhapsCanning’s’NeedyKnife—Grinder’（whoisdead，andthereforecannotbepainedatmytakinghimforanillustration）mayservetogiveusthenotionofdefectintheessentialqualityofaworkingclass；orImightevencite（since，thoughheisaliveintheflesh，heisdeadtoallheedofcriticism）mypooroldpoachingfriend，ZephaniahDiggs，who，betweenhishare—snaringandhisgin—drinking，hasgothispowersofsympathyquitedulledandhispowersofactioninanygreatmovementofhisclasshopelesslyimpaired。
Butexamplesofthisdefectbelong，asIhavesaid，toabygoneageratherthantothepresent。
5Thesamedesireforclearness，whichhasledmethustoextendalittlemyfirstanalysisofthethreegreatclassesofEnglishsociety，promptsmealsotoimprovemynomenclatureforthemalittle，withaviewtomakingittherebymoremanageable。Itisawkwardandtiresometobealwayssayingthearistocraticclass，themiddleclass，theworkingclass。Forthemiddleclass，forthatgreatbodywhich，asweknow，’hasdoneallthegreatthingsthathavebeendoneinalldepartments，’
andwhichistobeconceivedasmovingbetweenitstwocardinalpointsofourcommercialmemberofParliamentandourfanaticalProtestantDissenter，——forthisclasswehaveadesignationwhichnowhasbecomeprettywellknown，andwhichwemayaswellstillkeepforthem，thedesignationofPhilistines。
WhatthistermmeansIhavesooftenexplainedthatIneednotrepeatithere。Forthearistocraticclass，conceivedmainlyasabodymovingbetweenthetwocardinalpointsofourchivalrouslordandourdefiantbaronet，wehaveasyetgotnospecialdesignation。Almostallmyattentionhasnaturallybeenconcentratedonmyownclass，themiddleclass，withwhichIaminclosestsympathy，andwhichhasbeen，besides，thegreatpowerofourday，andhashaditspraisessungbyallspeakersandnewspapers。
6Stillthearistocraticclassissoimportantinitself，andtheweightyfunctionswhichMr。Carlyleproposesatthepresentcriticaltimetocommittoitmustaddsomuchtoitsimportance，thatitseemsneglectful，andastronginstanceofthatwantofcoherentphilosophicmethodforwhichMr。FredericHarrisonblamesme，toleavethearistocraticclasssomuchwithoutnoticeanddenomination。ItmaybethoughtthatthecharacteristicwhichIhaveoccasionallymentionedaspropertoaristocracies，——theirnaturalinaccessibility，aschildrenoftheestablishedfact，toideas，——pointstoourextendingtothisclassalsothedesignationofPhilistines；thePhilistinebeing，asiswellknown，theenemyofthechildrenoflightorservantsoftheidea。Nevertheless，thereseemstobeaninconvenienceinthusgivingoneandthesamedesignationtotwoverydifferentclasses；
andbesides，ifwelookintothethingclosely，weshallfindthatthetermPhilistineconveysasensewhichmakesitmorepeculiarlyappropriatetoourmiddleclassthantoouraristocratic。ForPhilistinegivesthenotionofsomethingparticularlystiff—neckedandperverseintheresistancetolightanditschildren；andthereinitspeciallysuitsourmiddleclass，whonotonlydonotpursuesweetnessandlight，butwhoevenprefertothemthatsortofmachineryofbusiness，chapels，tea—meetings，andaddressesfromMr。Murphy，whichmakesupthedismalandilliberallifeonwhichIhavesooftentouched。Butthearistocraticclasshasactually，aswehaveseen，initswell—knownpoliteness，akindofimageorshadowofsweetness；
andasforlight，ifitdoesnotpursuelight，itisnotthatitperverselycherishessomedismalandilliberalexistenceinpreferencetolight，butitisluredofffromfollowinglightbythosemightyandeternalseducersofourracewhichweaveforthisclasstheirmostirresistiblecharms，——byworldlysplendour，security，powerandpleasure。Theseseducersareexteriorgoods，butinawaytheyaregoods；andhewhoishinderedbythemfromcaringforlightandideas，isnotsomuchdoingwhatisperverseaswhatistoonatural。
7Keepingthisinview，Ihaveinmyownmindoftenindulgedmyselfwiththefancyofemploying，inordertodesignateouraristocraticclass，thenameofTheBarbarians。TheBarbarians，towhomweallowesomuch，andwhoreinvigoratedandrenewedourworn—outEurope，had，asiswellknown，eminentmerits；andinthiscountry，whereweareforthemostpartsprungfromtheBarbarians，wehaveneverhadtheprejudiceagainstthemwhichprevailsamongtheracesofLatinorigin。
TheBarbariansbroughtwiththemthatstaunchindividualism，asthemodernphraseis，andthatpassionfordoingasonelikes，fortheassertionofpersonalliberty，whichappearstoMr。BrightthecentralideaofEnglishlife，andofwhichwehave，atanyrate，averyrichsupply。Thestrongholdandnaturalseatofthispassionwasinthenoblesofwhomouraristocraticclassaretheinheritors；andthisclass，accordingly，havesignallymanifestedit，andhavedonemuchbytheirexampletorecommendittothebodyofthenation，whoalready，indeed，haditintheirblood。TheBarbarians，again，hadthepassionforfield—sports；andtheyhavehandeditontoouraristocraticclass，whoofthispassiontoo，asofthepassionforassertingone’spersonalliberty，arethegreatnaturalstronghold。ThecareoftheBarbariansforthebody，andforallmanlyexercises；thevigour，goodlooks，andfinecomplexionwhichtheyacquiredandperpetuatedintheirfamiliesbythesemeans，——allthismaybeobservedstillinouraristocraticclass。ThechivalryoftheBarbarians，withitscharacteristicsofhighspirit，choicemanners，anddistinguishedbearing，——whatisthisbuttheattractivecommencementofthepolitenessofouraristocraticclass？InsomeBarbariannoble，nodoubt，onewouldhaveadmired，ifonecouldhavebeenthenalivetoseeit，therudimentsofourpolitestpeer。Only，allthisculture（tocallitbythatname）oftheBarbarianswasanexteriorculturemainly。Itconsistedprincipallyinoutwardgiftsandgraces，inlooks，manners，accomplishments，prowess。Thechiefinwardgiftswhichhadpartinitwerethemostexterior，sotospeak，ofinwardgifts，thosewhichcomenearesttooutwardones；theywerecourage，ahighspirit，self—confidence。
Farwithin，andunawakened，layawholerangeofpowersofthoughtandfeeling，towhichtheseinterestingproductionsofnaturehad，fromthecircumstancesoftheirlife，noaccess。Makingallowancesforthedifferenceofthetimes，surelywecanobservepreciselythesamethingnowinouraristocraticclass。Ingeneralitscultureisexteriorchiefly；alltheexteriorgracesandaccomplishments，andthemoreexternaloftheinwardvirtues，seemtobeprincipallyitsportion。Itnow，ofcourse，cannotbutbeoftenincontactwiththosestudiesbywhich，fromtheworldofthoughtandfeeling，truecultureteachesustofetchsweetnessandlight；
butitsholdupontheseverystudiesappearsremarkablyexternal，andunabletoexertanydeeppoweruponitsspirit。Thereforetheoneinsufficiencywhichwenotedintheperfectmeanofthisclasswasaninsufficiencyoflight。Andowingtothesamecauses，doesnotasubtlecriticismleadustomake，evenonthegoodlooksandpolitenessofouraristocraticclass，andofeventhemostfascinatinghalfofthatclass，thefemininehalf，theonequalifyingremark，thatinthesecharminggiftsthereshouldperhapsbe，foridealperfection，ashademoresoul？
8Ioften，therefore，whenIwanttodistinguishclearlythearistocraticclassfromthePhilistinesproper，ormiddleclass，nametheformer，inmyownmind，theBarbarians。AndwhenIgothroughthecountry，andseethisandthatbeautifulandimposingseatoftheirscrowningthelandscape，’There，’Isaytomyself，’isagreatfortifiedpostoftheBarbarians。’
9Itisobviousthatthatpartoftheworkingsclasswhich，workingdiligentlybythelightofMrs。Gooch’sGoldenRule，looksforwardtothehappydaywhenitwillsitonthroneswithcommercialmembersofParliamentandothermiddle—classpotentates，tosurvey，asMr。Brightbeautifullysays，’thecitiesithasbuilt，therailroadsithasmade，themanufacturesithasproduced，thecargoeswhichfreighttheshipsofthegreatestmercantilenavytheworldhaseverseen，’——itisobvious，Isay，thatthispartoftheworkingclassis，orisinafairwaytobe，oneinspiritwiththeindustrialmiddleclass。Itisnotoriousthatourmiddle—classLiberalshavelonglookedforwardtothisconsummation，whentheworkingclassshalljoinforceswiththem，aidthemheartilytocarryforwardtheirgreatworks，goinabodytotheirtea—meetings，and，inshort，enablethemtobringabouttheirmillennium。Thatpartoftheworkingclass，therefore，whichdoesreallyseemtolenditselftothesegreataims，may，withpropriety，benumberedbyusamongthePhilistines。Thatpartofit，again，whichsomuchoccupiestheattentionofphilanthropistsatpresent，——thepartwhichgivesallitsenergiestoorganisingitself，throughtrades’unionsandothermeans，soastoconstitute，first，agreatworking—classpowerindependentofthemiddleandaristocraticclasses，andthen，bydintofnumbers，givethelawtothemanditselfreignabsolutely，——thislivelyandpromisingpartmustalso，accordingtoourdefinition，gowiththePhilistines；becauseitisitsclassanditsclassinstinctwhichitseekstoaffirm，itsordinaryselfnotitsbestself；anditisamachinery，anindustrialmachinery，andpowerandpre—eminenceandotherexternalgoods，whichfillitsthoughts，andnotaninwardperfection。Itiswhollyoccupied，accordingtoPlato’ssubtleexpression，withthethingsofitselfandnotitsrealself，withthethingsoftheStateandnottherealState。