270 The Evolution Hypothesis. 



environing cosmos, thereby securing the greatest ful- 

 ness of life possible of attainment by man. It is not 

 conceivable that such a result could be reached by 

 the sole operation of the forces recognized in the 

 evolution hypothesis; but if it were conceivable, we 

 must bear in mind that at the moment when that 

 ideal state is perfected its dissolution begins. The 

 persistence of force forbids its continuance for one 

 hour. The forces that have slowly accomplished the 

 perfect adjustment cannot rest : they must work on : 

 further change towards adaptation is precluded; the 

 movement can only be towards the disturbance of 

 the equilibrium which is dissolution. The fulness 

 of life is the beginning of death. 



Now we may fairly ask, what is it in the history 

 of the race, from the present moment to the final 

 destruction, that is to form the supreme end of 

 action ? If we strive toward the consummated equili- 

 bration, we pursue a shadow ; for when the harmony 

 is complete, it forthwith perishes in discord : if our 

 aim be not the perfected state, but the progress to- 

 wards it: then inadequate adjustment is a thing to 

 be desired ; for it is that very lack of adaptation 

 which prolongs the process, and so lengthening out 

 the life of humanity, increases the total sum of 

 enjoyment. 



But for the individual member of society this ideal 

 fulness of life can have no practical significance. He 

 is destroyed in the progress towards it : it can profit 



