Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 5.djvu/179

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A SOCIOLOGICAL VIEIV OF SOVEREIGNTY 165

true commands, but are personal susceptibilities which must be appealed to through persuasion, public opinion, or coercion.

CHAPTER V.

ORGANIZATION.

We are now to inquire how it is that coercion, originating in the homogeneous blending of all the sanctions and all the social institutions at the time of the earliest emergence of self-con- sciousness, contributes to the succeeding evolution of society. The problem is to follow out in the growth of chieftaincy and monarchy the accompanying differentiation and organization of the sanctions.

The institution of private property enormously increased the food supply and population. Hostile tribes were thrown into contact. The thirst for conquest seized upon the more daring spirits who yearned to free themselves from the kin-communism of the tribe, and to appropriate for themselves more peaceful tribes and nations as their personal property. Or, religious fanaticism, suddenly marshaling together disjointed tribes and peoples, inflamed them with the common desire to conquer obedience to their faith. Whatever the motive, the central fact to be observed is that the motive is common to those who join together. Otherwise there could be no joint action. It is com- mon beliefs or desires that bring men together and move them to those large constructive acts which reveal force and power.

But this is not enough. A mob may have common desires. But, as long as its individuals are acting each for himself at cross purposes, their individual forces, no matter how powerful, will end only in equilibrium. To accomplish results they must be organized, that is, guided by one man. Further, if the mob is to become a conquering army, the leader must have, not only persuasive, but also coercive power over individuals. He must be clothed with sanctions which he can promptly enforce. His resources in enforcing them are the common desire of his followers who obey his commands. These he does not coerce, but persuades to do his bidding, by playing upon the personal