9¢ THE SHADOW OF THE WORLD’S FUTURE
which tend inevitably toward war. Intrinsically they
are of a character which involves this. And one sees
that Tagore is right when he says that “knowledge
and efficiency are powerful in their outward effect, but
they are the servants of Man, not Man himself” (op.
ctt., P. 41).
From what has been said it is evident that the
problems directly connected with the world’s future
in respect of its population are of fundamental
importance. A world-survey to obtain the data for
their real solution has not yet been made. As already
indicated, it is indispensable. Countries which, like
Australia, Africa, South America, and parts of Russia
in Asia, are under-populated, have essentially the
deepest interest therein. Countries which have an
overplus of people are also greatly interested. Con-
centration on these matters may save the world much
trouble, for the issues cannot be avoided. The losses
that will eventuate from armed collisions in future are
likely to be more appalling than heretofore. Over-
concentration on the various questions of the moment
to the detriment of the possibility of reaching satis-
factory world-conclusions as to the future of mankind is,
we submit, supreme folly, and the danger is that it
will be paid for terribly.
Over-population is, of course, a relative term, not
an absolute one. Advances of scientific and technical
knowledge will continually open up new possibilities of
population, though relatively these will become con-
tinually less. But, as things are, many countries find
themselves already greatly over-populated, and must
perforce very soon see to the remedy. Many countries
in Europe are already in difficulty. However much—
for example—the conzadini of Italy or the peasants of
Germany and of many other parts of Europe may be
helped by a better knowledge of agriculture, such
countries are now actually under the pressure of a