Article July 4, 1925 Issue

Right Thinking Applied to World Conditions

THOMAS W. DIXSON

From time immemorial mankind by tradition, education, and experience has been encouraged to look for, and been led to expect, immediate and tangible results from its own efforts. In proportion as realization is long deferred in point of time, far removed in point of space, remotely related in point of contact, or becomes more and more impersonal in its nature, does one find it increasingly difficult to address one's self to the task. So accustomed are we to deal with persons rather than divine Principle, with things rather than thoughts, that when confronted by a task affecting the welfare of all mankind, we are likely either not to see our duty in regard to it or, catching a glimpse of its magnitude, cry out as did Moses, "Wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me?"

Possibly never before in the history of the world has there been presented greater opportunity of demonstrating the power of individual right thinking than at the present time; and with the opportunity there has come to each individual Christian Scientist the corresponding responsibility. Just now, as never before, the cry of the whole world is for peace, not merely a peace based upon diplomacy and political expediency, but a true and permanent peace on earth, such as was heralded by the angels when the Prince of Peace was born.

Much of good, indeed, has been done and is being done by the noble and unselfish men and women of all nations; much has been undertaken and is being accomplished by high-minded statesmen, commissions, courts, and governments of this and other countries. The less fortunate of other countries are provided with food and clothing; and want and suffering are everywhere being relieved. The brotherhood of nations, still an ideal to be fully realized, is becoming more apparent as we get better acquainted with each other and see each other's point of view. Many matters of international dispute are being settled by arbitration; unnecessary war burdens in times of peace by common consent have been partially eliminated; and many other improved conditions encourage us to hope for still better things to come. But whatever credit we may, as nations or as individuals, take to ourselves for the wisdom and statesmanship which make these conditions possible, the fundamental fact remains that without the vitalizing spark of an unselfish love for all humanity, human endeavors are in and of themselves but "as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal," and can contribute but little to permanent world peace.

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The Right Standpoint
July 4, 1925
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