282 LIFE OF ELIE METCHNIKOFF 



Faith in the power of Science and in the possibility 

 of modifying human nature itself through Science 

 was the foundation of the optimistic philosophy of his 

 maturity. Thoughts full of strength and hope shine 

 like leading stars all along his philosophical works. 



" Alone, Rational Science is capable of showing 

 humanity the true path." 



" The real goal of human existence consists in an 

 active life in conformity with individual capacity ; 

 in a life prolonged until the appearance of the death- 

 instinct, and until Man, satisfied with the duration of 

 his existence, feels the desire for annihilation." 



" Man is capable of great works ; that is why it 

 is desirable that he should modify human nature and 

 transform its disharmonies into harmonies." 



"If an ideal capable of uniting men in a sort of 

 religion is possible, it can only be founded on scientific 

 principles. And, if it is true, as is often affirmed, 

 that man cannot live without faith, it must be faith 

 in the power of Science." 



Thus Elie MetchnikofE had begun by the study of 

 nascent life in inferior beings ; by a logical and con- 

 tinuous chain, he had followed the whole cycle of 

 development of living beings in their continuity and 

 their whole. 



From the initial question of intracellular digestion 

 he had reached the most exalted problems which can 

 occupy our minds, the harmonising of human dis- 

 cords through knowledge and will. 



Such is the harmonious edifice which he has 

 built. 



No vital question was indifferent to him. He 

 tackled the most difficult and most mysterious among 

 them with courage, moved by an invincible impulse 



