326 EVOLUTION OF TO-DAY. 



the moral sense is an instinct similar in nature and 

 origin to other instincts. Indeed, the explanation 

 given here is almost exactly the same that is given 

 for the origin of instincts in general among animals, 

 with the single exception that intelligence has 

 played a larger part. If the theory here given be 

 compared with that which we have noticed in Chap- 

 ter VI., explaining the origin of the various neuter 

 castes of insects with their instincts, great similarity 

 will be seen. Indeed, the development of the in- 

 stincts of the members of bee communities is, so far 

 as Darwin's theory goes, the same as that of the 

 moral nature of man. It is difficult to see how 

 Darwin can make any distinction between the in- 

 stincts of these animals and the moral nature of 

 man. It is just as much the duty of the queen bee 

 to kill her fertile offspring, as it is for man to give 

 bread to the hungry. Each act is the result of an 

 inherited habit. 



It is hardly nesessary to say that this explanation 

 of Darwin's is rejected by a large number of think- 

 ers. It is said that Darwin has misunderstood the 

 problem, or at all events has failed to account for 

 the very essence of the whole matter. He has given 

 interesting suggestions as to the development of 

 codes of morals, and consequently as to the devel- 

 opment of the moral nature, but he has not account- 

 ed for its foundation, z. e., conscience. He has de- 

 scribed the possible origin of various instincts, and 

 then says that they constitute man's moral nature. 

 But is it possible to accept the conclusion that the 

 moral sense is simply an instinct of this kind ? Most 



