290 EVOLUTION AND MAN S PLACE IN NATURE 



Shakespeare shows his appreciation of the great 

 ness of the rational being, as he moves in the world ; 

 yet is that greatness so associated with things lower, 

 that we do not marvel at the suddenness of the 

 transition, when, in immediate connection with the 

 words quoted, Hamlet says: And yet, to me, what 

 is this quintessence of dust ? We are speaking of 

 one of whom we can say in the same breath, akin to 

 the angel, and akin to the animal. And are not the 

 union of these two natures, and the severance of the 

 two, the facts which we must mark and ponder if 

 we are to understand what man is, and are to con 

 template his possible destiny ? 



Does not everything in the life of the individual 

 depend on how he controls the animal in him, and 

 develops the rational life ? Is it not through the risks 

 and possibilities of conflict, that the inherent dignity 

 of manhood is seen ? Are not the possibilities con 

 nected with action of intelligence so lofty, even at 

 man s lowest, that he contemplates a sovereign rule of 

 moral life, and accepts this task as belonging to the in 

 herent responsibility of a rational agent, to govern all 

 motives in accordance with this rule ? Is it not in 

 this way, by homage to Conscience, and by exercise of 

 Will, that our manhood comes into view, making us 

 all acknowledge its dignity ? 



Give me that man 



That is not Passion s slave, and I will wear him 

 In my heart s core, ay, in my heart of hearts. 



Recognition of this led Plato to say, the man having 

 a good soul is good. 1 This supplied the central 



1 Republic, in. 409. 



