as awakened. As
neither individuals nor societies can be possessed of more than one
overpowering emotion at a time, the devotion to property naturally
weakened religious fervor. Religion became more an abstract belief and a
social organization than a vital thing affecting life and conduct. Even
before this time there was growing up in the world a protest against the
religious superstition that had led to the cruelties of the past. The
scientist and the modern philosopher were making their contributions to
the world of thought, and these contributions were slowly affecting life
and conduct.

A doubt of old creeds and doctrines and faiths was coming over the minds
of men. Social conventions were loosening, new customs and habits were
becoming folk-ways. In short, society and life were growing more fluid
and adaptable. The growth of property holdings created new desires and
new temptations. The accumulation of large fortunes brought envy and
hatred and ambition. The rise of industries built the large cities, with
palaces on one hand and hovels on the other. The vast inequality of
wealth and the growth of workers' organizations, together with the
spirit of skepticism which activity always brings, caused large numbers
to doubt the justice of property rights, the utility of many
institutions and the possibility of radical change by social
organization. It is perfectly evident that all of this movement brought
more conflict between social units, a constant lengthening of the
criminal code to protect the interests of the controlling powers, an
increase of prisons, and an apparent if not a real increase of crime.

Nothing but a strong government can long endure great inequality of
wealth or social condition. The slaves of the past civilization were
kept in subjection by main strength and fear. This enslavement was aided
by the deep ignorance of the masses who had no means of information and
nothing but vague feelings of the injustice of their lot. Even then the
poor sometimes revolted, but such outbreaks were generally easily put
down by the sword. The growth of political power and industrial
independence has been accompanied by the constant conflict of social
forces. This means conflict with the law, and the law has always taken
its toll of victims.

New inventions and methods that bring power of any sort carry with them
social clashes, protests, bitterness, conflicts and violations of law.
The invention of gun-powder was th