80 Evolution and Religion 



our laws and our religion. For in the well-being of the 

 general mass of the people, in their satisfaction with 

 the justice of the conditions of their lot in life, in their 

 opportunities for self-advancement and self-develop- 

 ment, seem to be found the factors which count most 

 powerfully in this competitive race between nations. 



Objection : Why Race ? 



But, you may ask, Why should I subordinate self to 

 the good of the race ? What is the race to me ? I can 

 understand the necessity of subordinating self to family 

 or country, in order that they may win in the struggle 

 for existence ; but I am not aware of any such compelling 

 love to the race. In reply, let me ask, Why should you 

 subordinate self to the good of your family, of your 

 nation ? You will answer, truly, that it is because you 

 love your family, because you love your nation, and 

 wish to see them successful in the struggle for existence. 

 Precisely; and why do you love your family and your 

 nation ? Is it not, in its ultimate analysis, because you 

 feel that they are of one blood with you ? If then you 

 can be brought to believe (not through mere outward 

 lip-service, but in your heart of hearts, honestly, sin- 

 cerely), that the entire human race is of one blood with 

 you, will not that same love and sympathy which you 

 give so freely to family and nation extend so as to em- 

 brace all mankind ? Will you not desire to see the race 

 equally successful in its struggle for existence? Not 

 indeed until you fully realize that we are all members 

 of one family, of one tribe, of one race of human beings. 



