Axes to Grind

Axes to Grind By Ezra J. Poulsen

Most people have heard the old story of the man who had an axe to grind. Naturally, they have sympathized with the small boy, who, instead of going to school, laid down his books, and cheerfully turned the heavy grindstone. The work was hard, but he was happy; for the gentleman was amiable and flatter- ing. Poor little boy, what must have been his feelings when the task was done, and his big hero gruffly ordered him to move on? Yet his reward, without excusing the man's perfidy, was a just one. It was the reward of stepping off into a by-path when the broad highway of duty was directly in front. The man with an axe to grind typifies the individual, who seeks, above everything else, to satisfy his own personal desires. Such a person is often amiable, and well-appearing. He may take an active part in community affairs, and will even boost for co-operative enterprises; yet in all he does there is a char- acteristic manipulation of things in his own favor. In the past it has been customary for individuals and na- tions alike to be much occupied by this favorite activity, "axe grinding," at other people's expense. The principle has been expansion, accumulation, for self aggrandizement. It is not difficult to see the effect of this greed permeating the whole panorama of history, the final result being the terrible exper- ience through which the world has just passed. Today, as we begin to build upon the ashes left by the war, it is to be wondered how far we will construct upon old principles that have been the cause of our downfall, and how far we will seize the new, the unimpeded, the ideal. No doubt the small boy, who was gulled into turning the grindstone, until he was late for school, proceeded on his way in a thought- ful mood; and we can readily imagine him making a firm re- solve not to be so easily taken in next time. A similar resolve is at present appropriate for the whole of humanity. • In the great work of reconstruction, we must learn to co- operate as never before; and successful co-operation must eliminate the big "I," or at least subject it to the common good. It was unrestrained individualism that prompted the man to use deception to get his axe ground; the same kind of individ- ualism prompts thousands to win the little points of life by

994 IMPROVEMENT ERA

hook or crook. But it must be intelligent co-operation, not in- dividual exploitation, by which the good things of tomorrow will be obtained. If the builders of the future would be succesful, they must find their first task in suppressing the remnants of the axe grinding clan, which is a monstrosity, born of the human in- stinct, acquisitiveness. The task may not be an easy one, for the hosts of special privilege are still mobilized for fight, but the outcome is certain, as the momentum of civilization will not be checked. If there are still those who fail to see the value of altruism, they will be individuals who are trying to get more than they give, who expect to reap without sowing. Already the hum of the wheels of reconstruction can be heard; the strong and courageous are beginning to work the new era; and their watchword is co-operation. Lest there be foolish virgins who would be caught in, or attempt, the wiles of the man with an axe to grind, let it be remembered that all must work, and all must rise or fall together. Every man is his brother's keeper, else why did the Master so long ago teach universal brotherhood? Garden City, Utah