Teachings of Thomas Huxley 53 



As Professor Huxley conceives it, moral 

 duty "consists in the observance of those rules 

 of conduct which contribute to the welfare of 

 society, and by implication, of the individuals 

 who compose it." He defines character as 

 "The sum of tendencies to act in a certain 

 way," and adds that it is often to be traced 

 through a long series of progenitors and col- 

 laterals. He does not think it a matter of re- 

 ligious inclination primarily, for it can exist 

 independently of any belief in church doctrine, 

 although it is often strengthened and fortified 

 by close adherence to the commonly observed 

 tenets of Christian faith. It is not a matter 

 of emotion, but is based on sound principles 

 of truth, and an appreciation and love for what 

 is conceded to be the best in the dealings of 

 man with man. 



PESSIMISM AND ALTRUISM. 



It is impossible for a belief that everything 

 in the world is going to the bad, and a hope for 

 deliverance in order that the entire race may 

 thereby be benefited to exist in the human 

 breast at the same time. The pessimist is at 

 best an unwholesome, self -centered and morbid 

 individual whose narrow views and hopeless 

 outlook are a very reflection of the worst ele- 

 ment in mankind. He may not commit mur- 

 der, but he is scarcely too good for it; for what 



