But the problems of perpetuating a hierarchical society go deeper than this. There are only four ways in which a ruling group can fall from power. Either it is conquered from without, or it governs so inefficiently that the masses are stirred to revolt, or it allows a strong and discontented Middle group to come into being, or it loses its own self-confidence and willingness to govern.

Surely, comrades, you don't want Jones back?

For the ordinary man is passive. Within a narrow circle (home life, and perhaps the trade unions or local politics) he feels himself master of his fate, but against major events he is as helpless as against the elements. So far from endeavoring to influence the future, he simply lies down and lets things happen to him.

There is a minority of gifted, willfuf people who are determined to live their own lives to the end, and writers belong in this class.

I understand HOW. I do not understand WHY

The object of powder is powder.

It's not so much staying alive, it's staying human that's important. What counts is that we don't betray each other.