Transcriber’s Note:
The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.
SOCIALISM AND THE FAMILY
These are two papers written by Mr. H. G. Wells. Thefirst was read to the Fabian Society in October, 1906, underthe title of “Socialism and the Middle Classes.” Thesecond appeared first in the “Independent Review.”Together they state pretty completely the attitude of ModernSocialism to family life.
I
In this paper I am anxious to define anddiscuss the relationship between threedistinct things:
(1) Socialism, i.e. a large, a slowly elaboratingconception of a sane and organizedstate and moral culture to replace our presentchaotic way of living,
(2) the Socialist movement, and
(3) the Middle Classes.
The first is to me a very great thing indeed,the form and substance of my ideal life,and all the religion I possess. Let me make6my confession plain and clear. I am, by asort of predestination, a Socialist. I perceive,I cannot help talking and writing aboutSocialism, and shaping and forwarding Socialism.I am one of a succession—one of agrowing multitude of witnes