84 THE RELATIVITY OF ALL KNOWLEDGE. 



Thus, from the very nature of thought, the relativity of 

 our knowledge is inferable in three several ways. As we 

 find by analyzing it, and as we see it objectively displayed 

 in every proposition, a thought involves relation, difference, 

 likeness. Whatever does not present each of these does not 

 admit of cognition. And hence we may say that the Uncon- 

 ditioned, as presenting none of them, is trebly unthinkable. 



§ 25. From yet another point of view we may discern 

 the same great truth. If, instead of examining our intellec- 

 tual powers directly as exhibited in the act of thought, or in- 

 directly as exhibited in thought when expressed by words, 

 we look at the connexion between the mind and the world, a 

 like conclusion is forced upon us. In the very definition of 

 Life, when reduced to its most abstract shape, this ultimate 

 implication becomes visible. 



All vital actions, considered not separately but in their 

 ensemble, have for their final purpose the balancing of cer- 

 tain outer processes by certain inner processes. There are 

 unceasing external forces tending to bring the matter of 

 which organic bodies consist, into that state of stable equi- 

 librium displayed by inorganic bodies; there are internal 

 forces by which this tendency is constantly antagonized; 

 and the perpetual changes which constitute Life, may be re- 

 garded as incidental to the maintenance of the antagonism. 

 To preserve the erect posture, for instance, we see that cer- 

 tain weights have to be neutralized by certain strains : each 

 limb or other organ, gravitating to the Earth and pulling 

 down the parts to which it is attached, has to be preserved in 

 position by the tension of sundry muscles; or in other 

 words, the group of forces which would if allowed bring 

 the body to the ground, has to be counterbalanced by an- 

 other group of forces. Again, to keep up the temperature 

 at a particular point, the external process of radiation and 

 absorption of heat by the surrounding medium, must be met 

 by a corresponding internal process of chemical combina- 



