Initiation and initiative : an exploration of the life and ideas of Dimitrije Mitrinović

POLITICAL INITIATIVES 109

objects of symbolic shapes suggestive of Oriental rather than Western cultures. But all this I registered then merely as a somewhat exotic atmosphere: my attention was focused on D. M., who welcomed me with dignity rather than with any effusive warmth. He asked many questions about my background: indeed, most of our time was spent in my giving a general account of myself. Three or four others were present. An hour passed pleasantly, nothing of great significance transpiring.

Thereafter I became more and more involved in the practical affairs of the lecture societies and developed a steadily increasing admiration for and friendship with some of those who were carrying the considerable burden of these expanding organisations. I began to learn something of, and to identify myself with, their ambitions—for the New Europe Groups especially.”

In the summer of 1932 a major series of lectures entitled “Popular Myths Exploded” was organised by the NEG at the Caxton Hall, Westminster. The advertised speakers included Frederick Soddy, Arthur Kitson, J. MacMurray, Raymond Postgate, Hamilton Fyfe, Gerald Heard and J. V. Delahaye. Amongst the myths that they exploded were “That poverty is of God,” “That science will see us through,” “That the press is instructive to the public,” “That capitalism has anything further to offer us,” and “That there is nothing to be done about it.”

Mitrinovi¢ was clear in his own mind what could be done about it. A change was needed, but a total change: a change in the human race itself. The human community was an organism and must be reconstructed as suchin the form of the Three-fold State wherein economics, politics and culture were made the responsibilities of three different assemblies. Guild socialism and social credit, regionalism and devolution—all were necessary. Above all else, however, was the need for the ‘perfected individual’: “Self-guidance, self-integration, self-realisation; that is the aim of our Group,” as one member expressed 1t.2

For this to be attained a final myth needed to be exploded: “the separateness of men.” Hence the significance of Europe in the evolution of the world. It was in Europe that individualism had reached its furthest point, therefore it was natural that “Europe must take the initiative to turn individualism into communal recognition of personality and personal acceptance of community.” This was the myth that was to be explored rather than exploded—and Britain should pioneer the route: “her position as inheritor of European civilization and as the founder of a great empire gives her

this unique position of responsibility.” This was the initiative demanded of Britain: