MORAL SENSE. 137 



As the social instincts both of man and the lower animals 

 have no doubt been developed by nearly the same steps, it 

 would be advisable, if found practicable, to use the same 

 definition in both cases, and to take as the standard of 

 moralitv the g^pn^rnl p ^nod.or welfare o f the communitv , 

 rather than the general happiness ; but this detiniiion 

 would perhaps require some limitation on account of 

 political ethics. ^ 



When a man risks his life to save that of a f ellow-creal 

 ure it seems also more correct to say that he acts for tl 

 general good rather than for the general happiness of maj 

 kind. No doubt the welfare and the happiness of tl 

 individual usually coincide; and a contented, happy tripe 

 will flourish better than one that is discontented and 

 unhappy. We have seen that even at an early period i| 

 the history of man the expressed wishes of the communii 

 will have naturally influenced to a large extent the conduc 

 of each member; and as all wish for happiness, the " great 

 est happiness principle " will have become a most impoi 

 tant secondary guide and object; the social instinct, hoi 

 ever, together with sympathy (which leads to our regardini^ 

 the approbation and disapprobation of others), having 

 served as the primary impulse and guide. Thus the re- 

 proach is removed of laying the foundation of the noblesi 

 part of our nature in the base principle of selfishness J 

 unless, indeed, the satisfaction which every animal feels,! 

 when it follows its proper instincts, and the dissatisfaction' 

 felt when prevented be called selfish. 



The wishes and opinions of the members of the same 

 community, expressed at first orally but later by writing 

 also, either form the sole guides of our conduct or greatly 

 re-enforce the social instincts; such opinions, however, have 

 sometimes a tendency directly opposed to these instincts^ 

 This latter fact is well exemplified by the Lmo of Hpno r\ 

 that is, the law of the opinion of our equals'aTnTnot of alll 

 our countrymen. The brea<3h of this law, even when thei 

 breach is known to be strictly accordant with true moral- 

 ity, has caused many a man more agony than a real crime. 

 AVe recognize the same influence in the burning sense ot 

 shame which most of us have felt, even after the intersal 

 of years, wlien calling to mind some accidental breach of a 

 trifling, tliough fixed rule of etiquette. The judgment of j 

 the community will generally be guided by some rude i 



