needed. For this reason producers' coöperation will probably continue
a failure. To run a modern business of any size at all requires a
degree of intelligence, imagination, judgment, courage, and
administrative ability which is altogether too rare to be found among
casual groups of laborers. Varied experience, high ability, the
determination to accept the risks of the enterprise, and a consistent
singleness of purpose are necessary in modern production. Even though
coöperators are able to secure an amount of capital sufficient to
initiate production, they rarely have the requisite ability or
experience; too often they object to accepting the risks of the
enterprise; practically never can they administer the business with
that unity of control which characterizes the most successful business
enterprises.

120. BENEFITS OF COÖPERATION.--While no longer considered a far-
reaching industrial reform, the coöperative movement brings with it
many benefits. Coöperation in retail trade, credit, and marketing cuts
down the waste between consumer and producer, and thus helps
substantially to reduce the cost of living. Coöperation in production,
though it fails to reach its chief objective, has the virtue of
demonstrating to groups of workmen that the entrepreneur is of far
more value in our industrial life than they might otherwise have
realized. Aside from these advantages, coöperation in any form is an
important educative force. It fosters the spirit of solidarity and
mutual helpfulness among members of a group or community. It teaches
thrift. It trains the coöperating individuals to exercise foresight
and self-control. Altogether the training which it affords is
productive of good citizenship.