92 ORIGIN OF SPECIES 



species an advantage over another. Probably in no single 

 instance should we know what to do. This ought to con- 

 vince us of our ignorance on the mutual relations of all 

 organic beings ; a conviction as necessary, as it is difificult 

 to acquire. All that we can do, is to keep steadily in mind 

 that each organic being is striving to increase in a geomet- 

 rical ratio; that each at some period of its life, during some 

 season of the year, during each generation or at intervals, 

 has to struggle for life and to suffer great destruction. 

 When we reflect on this struggle, we may console ourselves 

 with the full belief, that the war of nature is not inces- 

 sant, that no fear is felt, that death is generally prompt, 

 and that the vigorous, the healthy, and the happy survive 

 and multiply. 



