The world's sense of mastery has been one of domination through material force. It has meant, in large part, the overcoming of that which was legitimate, which ought to have remained, but which opposed or inconvenienced ambition, the lust for power.
This sense of personal supremacy has in some degree entered into and marred well-nigh every achievement of nations and of men. It has made its venture upon the larger number, the heavier armament, the more subtle deception, the stronger will, or the more vigorous assault; and it has explained the leadership of individuals, no less than that of organizations.
Means and methods change with the years, but the formula remains the same. The stronger nations may yet dominate the weaker by a show of both the disposition and the material ability to enforce their demands, but to-day diplomatic subtleties and manipulations are able to serve the ends of national aggression quite as effectively. The exactions made upon industry, which, in feudal times were enforced by fear of violence, are now effected by the less open but not less cruel means of unjust monopoly, the seizure and retention of unfair advantage. Whatever the means of accomplishment, the idea does not change,—it is ever that of mastery through mental or material force.
