§ IV. Diligence as a Standard

Much less than the amount of labor performed can diligence alone serve as a standard for the distribution | of produce. It would be simply unjust to regard diligence as the only norm, since such a standard would put the more skilful and expert laborers on the same footing with the slowest and most awkward. Moreover, how could the diligence of each one be accurately determined? Bellamy thinks that in a socialist state each one should receive an equal share of the produce if he only makes equal endeavor, or produces that of which he is capable.¹ That is all easily said; but who shall judge whether each one does his best? How are we to form a definite judgment upon such an endeavor ? At best only by an extensive system of mutual supervision and espionage. But such a system would manifestly be an unbearable yoke, which the sovereign people would on the very first day shake off with indignation. And even if such control could be permanently established, how easy would it be to deceive the overseers, especially if many laborers would conspire against them? What guarantee could an overseer give who would be elected and might be deposed at any minute? Finally, if a laborer would be found guilty of a lack of diligence, how much then should be deducted from his wages, and who is to judge of the amount? We are of opinion that if such a standard were introduced, our prisons, which socialists want to have abolished, would soon have to be replaced by more numerous and more capacious ones.

¹ Bellamy seems to look upon the men of the future as over-grown children. In the first years after entering the industrial army the young people (of 21 years and upward) will be accustomed to obedience and self-denial. Their achievements will be carefully recorded, the proficient are rewarded, the negligent are punished. Only after the lapse of these three years are they allowed to choose their profession. During their apprenticeship an exact record is kept of their proficiency and diligence and they are rewarded according to their deserts. In every branch of industry the workmen will be classed according to excellence into three categories. This classification will take place periodically, and its results will be published in the papers. Those of the first class are distinguished by a gold medal, the second by a silver, the third by an iron one. Such proposals might be realized at most in the nursery.