Some psychological aspects of revolution

Abstract

A survey of the History of Society shows clearly that progress has taken place at varying rates, that for long periods there has been comparatively little change or advancement, and that, at other times, a few years have seen tremendous changes and advances. If we compare the period from 1650 - 1750 with the period 1750 - 1850 we find that in a similar number of years the world saw infinitely greater change and progress. The years since 1914 have given us in science, in politics, in psychology, in morals such rapid transformations, such a plethora of new ideas, as have probably never before occurred in the World's history during a similar period of time. To compare the Russia of today with that of the pre-revolution era shows us convincingly how little actual years matter in social change. We may say broadly, then, that social change has occurred in two fairly distinct manners. First, there has been the gradual process of adaptation and readjustment to the environment of its dwellers. Second, there have occurred changes of a sudden and more spontaneous nature.