Here Endeth

Is there TO be another illustration of that sarcastic saying, "We learn from history only that men learn nothing from history?" For many years Germany's creed has been "Weltmacht oder Niedergang." Twice within the span of one generation an attempt has been made to test that creed, and the answer is now before us. If the alternative is as stated, the answer is "Niedergang." Failing miserably to attain world-power, the nation we knew as Germany has suffered downfall. Surely no nation in all history has ever suffered such complete collapse, materially and spiritually. That has been done which many felt should have been accomplished on the last previous essay—to wit, utter ruin. In 19x8 the Allies let up on their foemen too soon. The latter recoiled only to spring again at civilization's throat. They had learned nothing from the partial defeat inflicted then. The grave question is, will they learn anything now?

For the "Weltmacht oder Niedergang" creed was, is, and always will be fallacious in the world which we know. It simply was not true that Germany must dominate the world or be forever fallen. All she needed to do was live on decently, peacefully, industriously, to attain that share of world-influence which was her due. She was recognized as a Titan among nations, intellectually as well as materially. Everywhere her influence was increasing in world affairs of every kind. And now it is gone—so completely gone that it is hard to see how it can be reestablished within a century—and it is nobody's fault but Germany's own. One is reminded of the epitaph of the man whose tombstone was inscribed: "I was well. I wanted to be better. I took physic. And here I am!"

The ignis fatuus of world domination has led to ruin every nation that elected to follow its gleam. It has ruined Germany. It has ruined Italy. It will ruin Japan. Shall we learn this fact from history? Or are we all hopeless dunces?