LIFE 363 



When we have learned to describe the sequences of 

 primitive history in terms of physical and biological 

 formulae, then we shall hesitate less to dig deep down 

 into our modern civilisation and find its roots in the same 

 appetites and instincts (see Appendix, Note VI.). We 

 shall then be less unwilling to admit that historical science, 

 like any other branch of science, cannot only describe the 

 past but is capable of predicting the future course of 

 development. Here, in predicting from the economic and 

 social history of the past the probable tendencies of the 

 immediate future, seems to be the true function of those 

 somewhat errant sciences, political economy and sociology. 



4 § ^ 5 • — Morality and Natural Selection 



Although the reader may be prepared to admit that 

 the " survival of the fittest " is a formula describing the 

 development of mankind even at the present, he may still 

 question how it can possibly be a source of altruistic 

 conduct in life.^ If perpetual struggle for existence be- 

 tween all forms of life be the keynote to progress — if the 

 individual, stronger in body or mind, does invariably push 

 aside his weaker fellows, render them subservient to his 

 aims, or crush them out of existence, how can we look 

 upon life from any but the egoistic and pessimistic stand- 

 point ? Poverty and disease must then be regarded as 

 valuable aids in the destruction of less fit human beings, 

 wealth and luxury as the meet reward of individual fitness. 

 Starting with this view of life as solely a war of individuals, 

 we inevitably reach that conception of government which 

 may be summed up in the sentences : A maximum of 

 good must arise from a minimum of social organisation ; 

 for government to interfere between individuals is an 

 irrational attempt to upset the principle of the survival of 

 the fittest. 



The reader must not think that I am exaggerating 



1 The substance of the remainder of this chapter is taken from a lecture 

 delivered in 1888, and afterwards published as a pamphlet. 



