Unit VIl
Politics
and Propaganda (go back)
(Chapters 23-26)
Government, religion, and
other social institutions are considered in this unit. Its purpose is to show the value of
experimentation, rather than indoctrination.
Coercing obedience or gaining it through propaganda, Frazier asserts,
ensures failure. Experiments are the
only way to answer questions about human nature and the optimal conditions for
human life.
Summary
As the visitors enter the
serving room for lunch, Frazier says that there is not much left to show
them. He wonders whether they have been
impressed.
"'Impressed' is
scarcely the word," says Burris. "It's the most soul-shaking experience
of my life."
But Frazier
claims the success of Walden Two is not at all incredible. "How could it possibly have
failed?" he asks. What impresses
him is the fact that Walden Two is already in existence, here and now, in the
middle of modern civilization.
"The Utopias have
tended to be a bit out of things," Castle
observes.
Excitedly, Frazier agrees
and elaborates on the point. "Utopia"
in Greek means "nowhere, which Butler spelled almost backwards for his
utopian novel, Erewhon. Other utopian writers--Bacon, Bellamy,
and Morris-imagined their communities in far-away places: undiscovered islands,
lost colonies, centuries earlier, or at some unforeseen point in the future.
"Out of things,
indeed!" he concludes. "It's
the first rule of the Utopian romance: 'Get away from life as we know it,
either in space or time, or no one will believe you!"'
"The Good Life is
waiting for us-here and now," he declares, emphasizing that the necessary
techniques are available, both material and psychological, to develop full and
satisfying lives for all humanity.
Castle claims that he still
must solve the practical problems of politics, and a conversation ensues about
government, power, and human nature.
Governments based on force, Frazier claims, are using poor principles of
human engineering. The problem with
governments is that they cannot-or do not-experiment, chiefly because they
cannot admit doubt or ignorance. An
ideal government, says Frazier, would be based upon the science of human behavior. Anarchy would not be successful because
there is no such thing as innate goodness.
Frazier clarifies his
position. "I'm not arguing for no
government at all, but only for none of the existing forms....For the first time
in history we're ready for it, because we can now deal with human behavior in
accordance with simple scientific principles."
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"We have no truck with
philosophies of innate goodness-or evil, either, for that matter, Frazier
continues, describing the Walden Two outlook.
"But we do have faith in our power to change human behavior. “We can make ourselves adequate for group
living, he insists. Originally he
simply had faith in that premise, but he declares it's now a fact.
Then he proceeds to explain
Walden Two's political position in relation to the rest of society. All members vote in state and local
elections, but they do not take an interest in outside politics. Instead, the Political Manager researches
the qualifications of the candidates in these elections and draws up the
"Walden Ticket," whereupon everyone goes to the polls and votes for
the candidates who would best serve Walden Two, as identified by the Political Manager.
Thus, the members choose the best candidates for their purposes, yet
they save time by having the Political Manager inform them about this complex
matter.
The conversation turns to
another institution, religion. Walden
Two, explains Frazier, is not a religious community because the conception of humanity
does not come from theology but rather from scientific study. There is no formal religious training
although some practices of organized religion are used to inspire group
loyalty and to strengthen observance of the Code. Such practices include Sunday meetings with some type of music
and occasional readings-philosophical, religious, or poetic. These readings often prompt literary
allusions in the speech of the community.
The topics chosen for discussion usually concern self-control and social
relations.
"But are you taking any
active step toward world peace?" Castle asks.
"Any active step!"
Frazier cries. "Just this: we
aren't making war! We have no
imperialist policy-no designs on the possessions of others-no interest in
foreign trade except to encourage happiness and self-sufficiency."
No international expert,
Frazier argues, really knows for
certain what sort of society or government will produce peace. These experts only make guesses, with no
significant experimental tests. (Chapter 23)
As the group leaves the
dining room Burris asks how the community deals with young people drawn away
from Walden Two by the modernized world: the movie palaces, nightclubs and
fancy restaurants.
"By indoctrination, I
suppose," he says.
Frazier objects, replying
that the community does not propagandize in favor of its way of life. Instead, the members simply tell the
children the whole truth. They make
sure that, along with the glamour, the children observe the saloons, the jails,
and the homes for the indigents. They
help the children understand that the glamour and beautiful homes and
landscapes are available only to a few and often at the expense of poverty and
filth for many.
Burris asks again why
indoctrination is not used at Walden Two, and Frazier replies that it would
ensure failure. It is impossible, he
says, to propagandize and experiment simultaneously. Therefore, Walden Two operates without propaganda. To indoctrinate favorable attitudes toward
Walden Two, he continues, would conceal symptoms of unrest which would be
studied by the community psychologists.
Walden Two should be naturally satisfying. Happiness therefore is one of the measures of success of the
community.
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As this discussion draws to a
close, Steve
and Mary
appear. They have passed the medical
exam and been accepted into the Walden Two community. (Chapter 24)
Burris, impressed with the
pleasant atmosphere in Walden Two, decides to make his own investigation of
happiness. To make sure the guests are
not being deceived, he mingles with the members at tea time to take a sample of
their behavior.
He lays out a plan which
clearly illustrates his loyalty to scientific procedures, using an objective
sampling procedure. He begins at the bottom
of the Ladder at four o'clock and progresses to each successive stage,
eavesdropping on the occupants of each alcove for exactly five minutes.
This survey of conversations
in the
Ladder leaves him dissatisfied. He
stops in several different areas, then goes to the lounges and reading rooms,
still without finding signs of psychological problems. Wandering aimlessly, he slips into a music
room to listen to a string quartet accompanied by a pianist who is out of his
line of vision. The string players are
young, competent, and poised; the pianist seems a little less capable. At the conclusion of the piece, Burris
discovers that the pianist is Frazier. (Chapter 25)
Walking back to his room,
Burris believes that his survey has failed, and then he realizes that there was
a flaw in his objectivity. He was not
out to collect facts but rather to find something
wrong with Walden Two. He feels he is
caught in a difficult position, not ready to join Walden Two but unable to find
anything clearly wrong with it.
He also decides that his
survey was conducted improperly. He had
made it at a time when people should be happy.
Instead, he needs a longitudinal study.
He should follow one member around for an extended period.
Just as he makes this decision,
he notices an apparently typical woman sitting outside alone. Mrs.
Olsen initiates the conversation, and Burris eagerly tries to gather
information. He finds she is puzzled by
his questions, appearing happy, healthy, and well fed. He is also impressed that she can be content
with so little to do. As he heads for
his room, Burris is clearly frustrated, not so much with Walden Two as with his
own cynicism that only hard labor could prevent boredom. (Chapter 26)
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Key Concepts
Write a definition for each of these terms. When in doubt, reread the indicated pages in
Walden
Two and consult the glossary in
this guidebook.
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Illustrations
The concepts in Walden Two are often illustrated in daily life. Below are students' illustrations of three concepts in this
unit. Supply additional examples yourself
of these or other key concepts in this unit.
Human
engineering (181). "A few years ago a mall was built in my hometown. It was seen as a new concept in shopping for
that area and became extremely popular very quickly. Its shape is somewhat like that of a snake with smooth curves and
no sharp corners. Thus, it seems small
and cozy, without long halls. The shops
themselves vary greatly in both size and content. One can find small specialty boutiques and right around the
corner a major department store. And,
uncommon to most stores, the Mall extends its hours and is open seven days a
week. During the holidays, decorations
add a 'home-like' atmosphere, and continual shows and displays make the mall
more than a place to shop. With these
benefits, people actually enjoy the Mall as a place to visit, relax, and meet
friends, as well."
Human
nature (182). "What is your
view of human nature? Are we innately
good or innately evil? My answer is:
'Neither.' Our personalities are largely what the environment makes us.
"No one can run an
experiment of this sort, but I think the difference between my ethnic, hometown
friends and my school friends says something.
Their two environments seem to produce somewhat different types of
people, with different habits and interests.
"My home-town friends
love their environment with no exams, no special deadlines. At the end of the workday, we begin an
evening of fun and relaxation, in a sort of ethnic style, and the most
essential part is being with friends.
The atmosphere is relaxed, and we get together simply to be with each
other, to talk and think together, discussing the humor-and problems-of the
day. There is an implicit acceptance of
the idea that to be with friends is the most significant part of life,
certainly more important than individual accomplishments.
"Here at school the
environment is almost the opposite. We
get together for fun, but the atmosphere is chiefly competitive, or at least
the work ethic prevails. We study for
exams, read books at great length, write papers, compete on teams, compete for
positions on school activities and the like, often until midnight or
afterward. Evenings are devoted to
'getting ahead.' The motivation is for personal achievement, more than for
friends. The focus in on the
individual, more than the group.
"Exceptions exist, of
course. My ethnic friends have certain
personal goals and my school friends cherish certain personal relations. But there is a large, overall difference
between these groups, and the environment seems chiefly responsible. Neither approach is obviously better or
worse than the other, but when this idea is extended to the different
influences of street gangs and loving families, I find the notion of an inborn
human nature very dubious indeed."
Indoctrination
(191). "I grew up in an extremely religious environment.
"We children were not
allowed to see any movies that the elders didn't approve of, and we could not play
cards, have friends outside the religion, or go into town alone. I went to the service on Sundays, church
school on Tuesdays, had home studies on Wednesdays, meeting again on Thursdays,
and field service activities on Saturdays.
I was taught that the world would probably end before I turned 12 years
old. I was
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told that if I had sexual
relations with someone before getting married, no one would want me and I
couldn't enter into heaven. We never celebrated
any holidays except one and were told that this shouldn't bother us because
people should not worship pagan things.
"The women were
discouraged from being feminine and from wearing pants. They were taught to be submissive and
passive instead. The men were taught to
be leaders and headstrong. The members
of this community do not vote, smoke, curse, or consider themselves a part of
this world except as teachers of the unfortunate many who are misled by the
devil.
"Due to this
indoctrination, they believe the world is basically an evil place, largely to
be avoided. When some members do leave
the community, out of protest or for some other reason, they often have
considerable difficulty. Without a
balanced perspective, and especially without developing critical thinking, they
cannot adjust readily to other ways of life."
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Study Questions
1. "You can't make progress toward the Good Life by political
action! Not under any current form of
government!" says Frazier. What are his reasons for this statement? In your answer, define what he means by
government and politics. (180)
2. Frazier says government should be based on the science of human
behavior rather than faith in human nature.
Define these two expressions, as he uses them, and indicate the reasons
for his position. State your position.
(182)
3. Describe the work of the Political Manager in Walden Two. How does this role differ from that of
political campaign managers in our contemporary society? (183)
4. What is the chief responsibility of the Manager of Public
Relations? How does he or she carry
out these responsibilities? What is Frazier's view of this
behavior? Your view? (184-186)
5. Describe the ways in which religious practices in Walden Two are
like those in the outside world.
Describe the differences. Be
specific. (185)
6. Castle asks Frazier how the community would wage war in the case
of attack. What is Frazier's
response? What is your view of his
response? (189)
7. Engage in a Walden Two detective assignment, showing in the
briefest way a connection between a bit of luxury and some instance of
poverty. Do so beginning with a
luxurious hotel suite. What arguments can you make on behalf of these
circumstances? (192)
8. "You can't propagandize and experiment at the same
time," says Frazier. Explain his
view. Do you agree or disagree? Why? (195)
9. Burris decides to sample happiness in Walden Two, stopping at several
different stages or alcoves in the Ladder to observe and ask questions. Does this procedure seem to be an objective,
unbiased approach? If so, why? If not, why not? (197-202)
10. Describe Burris' encounter with Mrs. Olsen. What does she think of him? What is his reaction
to her? What is your reaction to this
scene? (204)
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Values Clarification
"We've shot our
bolt," says Frazier when the group returns from the medical center. “I’m curious
to know whether you've been properly impressed."
Castle calls the tour a
soul-shaking experience. But he
declares that the problem of government and politics has not been
resolved. Frazier has commented
extensively on this issue:
1. On using power in government: "Governments which use force
are based upon bad principles of human engineering." (181)
2. On innate
goodness: "We have no truck with philosophies of innate goodness-or evil,
either,
for
that matter." (182)
3. On voting: "No one of us believes his
weight will be felt in a national election." (188)
4. On the dangers of indoctrination: "You
can't propagandize and experiment at the same
time." (195)
These topics all pertain to
government. Focusing upon Frazier's remarks,
indicate the topic which you think he considers most important by writing
"FRAZIER" in front of that statement. Then imagine the choice of the President of the United States or
prime minister of some other country.
Write "POLITICIAN" in front of that topic, which may or may
not be the same as your choice for Frazier.
Prepare a presentation, oral
or written, on the ways in which these choices reflect similar or different
values. What other values probably
accompany each choice? What factors influence
these values? Include an explanation of
your own viewpoint.
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Review
Castle is resistant to the concept of Walden Two,
yet the tours and talks have been unsettling for him. Reconsider units I through V and for each unit indicate one or
two basic values Castle displays. Then
note which of these seem to have been challenged by his experience in the
community.
II. Design
of Things
III. Working,
Playing
IV. Raising
Children
A person's values usually
are consistent with one another. Try to
show how there is a consistency or congruence among the values you have cited
for Augustine Castle.
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