322 IN THE GUIANA FOREST 



done whatever the anticipated consequences. 

 The real consequences we may safely leave out 

 of consideration. 



Man must obey the three great laws, but not 

 blindly. As a reasonable being he is able to 

 foresee consequences to a certain extent. He, has 

 also learnt the value of law and order and the 

 benefits derived from a communal life. Some 

 attempt has likewise been made to teach him 

 " to do unto others as he would that they should 

 do unto him." And here comes the great 

 question, How far can he reconcile his selfish 

 natural instincts with altruism ? Can he do it at 

 all ? To some extent he may, but not entirely. 



To get food he must work, not steal, or be a 

 burden on the community. He must fight in self- 

 defence, but no more; of course, his family is 

 included, but how far he can go in fighting for 

 friends, fellow-citizens, and fellow-countrymen is 

 doubtful. He must have a wife and family, not 

 interfere with those belonging to others, and do 

 his duty as a husband and father. 



Altruism sympathises with the weak. We 

 cannot bear to see human beings suffer, neither 

 can we look without pain on the suffering of any 

 domestic animal. Notwithstanding this, every 

 day we eat meat that has been obtained by 



