§ 26

It is the aim of the Commune to ally, as far as possible, agricultural and industrial pursuits. With a view to that, every house has a garden which the householder is expected to cultivate. Waste land is nowhere permitted within the city or its environs. I find as my spirit travels hither and thither that the “entirely leisured gentleman” hardly exists. If a man of means is not using his leisure, and, in some instances, all his time, for the public good, he is using it to be his own servant. I saw a man, called rich, putting in a pane of glass, adroitly manipulating the putty with the skill of an expert. Another I observed sawing up blocks of wood, another cutting down trees in his garden, another pruning fruit and rose trees, and in the country, not far distant from the city, another cultivated scholar ploughing a furrow on his estate. The great war taught these admirable habits, which profiteers now regret, because “the gentleman” prefers to mend his own belongings to paying a king’s ransom to a fellow who did it ill in obedience to his iniquitous leaders. Shortly, he prefers to do honest work for himself than to pay for dishonest.

Throughout the community, rich or poor delegate no manual labour which can be done at home. Every girl of every class is a good needlewoman and dressmaker. Every boy is trained to be a skilful carpenter and is not ashamed of sewing on his buttons or darning his socks. Industrious habits, habits of making use of odd moments in practical home work, enter into every sphere. The great war taught the wiser how much outdoor assistance could be dispensed with. The colossal rise in wage obliged even the well-to-do to learn to turn their hands to the simplest duties connected with home. In time this beneficial result will become automatic, and a far simpler as well as more dignified life is certain to result from it. Of scholars, artists, writers and musicians there is a goodly number, which is increasing, owing to less hurry and more concentration, the result of better physical conditions. Men of the highest attainments, who are following the professions, inspired by peace and moderate expenditure of money, keep their minds fresh by light labour on the land, which they prefer to SPORT; indeed, SPORT, once made a business, is rather despised. It is thought to be enervating, and an idle, unproductive way of “getting through time.” Mental vitality is increased by labour which became necessary to men of small means through the rise of wages and reckless increase of rates and taxes. It now seems to permeate the richest as well as the poorest classes, so men are becoming more dignified and self-helpful.