question:  The overall reaction to Rocsates' suggestions is symbolic of:
context: [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, August 1957. It was a day soft and clear; a day accepted by the young, cherished by we old. And indeed it was but a moment before Melia slipped through the high grass to stand at his side. Everything has evaporated in Maternite. They were aware that they stood in the midst of an unprecedented happening; indeed, an emergency. They were created so long ago, indeed, that the ignorant believe them to have been constructed by the gods themselves. Indeed, the watcher is more a tradition than a necessity. Xeon and Melia stopped as I mounted the steps, but I smiled and motioned them in. They accompanied me past the marble pillars into the cool recesses of the Hall, then seated themselves on the floor as I took my place by the great table. At such a time, many men feel impelled to make speeches, and one must not be disrespectful. Prayers and supplications were offered to the gods, priests were sent to sacrifice, and finally, as the light of the sun was falling between the pillars, the High Priest of the Maternite Machine was heard. He rambled through the customary opening remarks and then, continually smoothing his white beard—of which he is excessively proud—approached the crux of the matter and the Conclave finally heard the facts it had assembled to hear. By this time, unfortunately, many of the Conclave had departed for home and supper. Yet perhaps it is for the best, for those left were the most earnest and intelligent. The machines bear the exact number of children each year to balance the number of us whom the gods claim. Such it has always been from time immemorial." "But now," he continued, however, with less assurance and indeed with even a stutter here and there, "an unprecedented situation has arisen. It is at such times that I most revere the wisdom of the ancients, who decreed seventy years the minimum age for a member of the Conclave.
output:  Resistance to intellectualism
options:  Inefficiency of government  Resistance to intellectualism  Potential of innovation  Overzealousness for power