128 THE SHADOW OF THE WORLD’S FUTURE
These are the questions which human history is, in
some measure, about to answer.
The human being may, of course, have issues to face
soon, which to-day are absolutely hidden. These he
must perforce meet as they arise: It is well that to
these should not be superadded those which are not
hidden. For this, and many other reasons, everyone
with an interest in our race will view with pleasure all
efforts to lift the shadow which is looming darkly in
respect of Man’s future. The widespread recognition
of the developing solidarity of our race is an omen of
promise. But, at present, it is specially characteristic
of public men of exceptional eminence only. It is
not yet a pervasive faith with the masses of mankind.
The readiness with which antagonistic feeling arises
between nations, and the intensities of national dislikes,
 occasion forebodings which counter such appreciations
 of human solidarity as are growing. One can
only hope that concerted action, in the attempt to
solve the problems arising from the menaces of human
increase, will create centres of sympathetic interest.
These problems involve for their solution the cordial
co-operation of all. Economic equity, the abandonment
 of unscrupulous competitions, and the promotion
 of a world-concentration on the great issue, is
the way of peace. It may lead mankind in the end to
discover that their world has, like Chamisso’s Peter
Schlemibl, lost its shadow. So mote it be.