The Progress of the Race 



[II2] 



The evolution of the Apiens, or at 

 least of the Apitse, being admitted, or 

 regarded as more probable than that they 

 should have remained stationary, let us 

 now consider the general, constant direc- 

 tion that this evolution takes. It seems 

 to follow the same roads as with ourselves. 

 It tends palpably to lessen the struggle, 

 insecurity, and wretchedness of the race, 

 to augment authority and comfort, and 

 stimulate favourable chances. To this 

 end it will unhesitatingly sacrifice the in- 

 dividual, bestowing general strength and 

 happiness in exchange for the illusory and 

 mournful independence of solitude. It is 

 as though Nature were of the opinion 

 with which Thucydides credits Pericles : 

 viz., that individuals are happier in the 

 bosom of a prosperous city, even though 

 they suffer themselves, than when indi- 



415 



