The socialist revolution came in 1917, not in the most enlightened
country in the world, as Marx had predicted, but in Russia, one of the
most backward of civilized countries. This revolution did not
demonstrate the superiority of socialism over capitalism, but revealed
the fundamental weaknesses of socialism, and led to a more widespread
recognition of the merits of the capitalistic system.

In the progressive countries of western Europe and America, the
likelihood of a socialist revolution has been greatly diminished by
two developments. These developments, both of which were unforeseen by
Marx, are as follows: first, the improving condition of the workers
has rendered socialist doctrine less appealing; second, the increasing
effectiveness of legislation designed to remedy the defects of
capitalism has caused attention to be directed to legislative reform
rather than to socialism. With many who were formerly socialists, the
supreme question has become, not how to destroy the present order, but
how to aid in perfecting it by means of appropriate legislation.

163. SOCIALISM CLAIMS TOO MUCH.--Socialism often appeals strongly to
people who are unable to distinguish between plans which are
realizable and promises which cannot be fulfilled. For example,
socialism promises greatly to increase the productive power of the
nation, to shorten the hours of labor, and to insure a just
distribution of wealth. These reforms, it is claimed, would be
accompanied by the elimination of unemployment, poverty, vice, and
attendant evils. It is maintained that socialism would encourage a
higher moral tone and a healthier and more vigorous social life than
now exist.

Without doubt these are desirable aims, but we must face the hard fact