CHAPTER IX 

 ETHICS AND ALTRUISM 



IT having been contended, so far, that life, in the 

 aggregate, is a differentiated form of phenomena, 

 whose evolution has occurred by precisely the same 

 method, as all other evolution, the relation that 

 all forms of it, bear to each other, as well as to the ag- 

 gregate, must be governed by the same fundamental 

 natural laws. The phases of this relationship are of 

 such infinite variety, that to undertake to formulate a 

 conscious duty by man, adapted to each variation, would 

 evidently be impossible ; nor would such formal category 

 be useful. A human adjustment, that must be eventual- 

 ly readjusted, to conform to local needs, just as the ideas 

 of man change, as the centuries go by, or as the brain 

 power increases, is the only progression, that gives in- 

 creasing strength and more persistence. 



This does not mean that these readjustments should, 

 or do occur in the lifetime of one individual. They are 

 made, at very long intervals, and are so inconspicuous 

 and harmonious that, unless science, or history mentions 

 them, they remain unnoticed. They are not catastrophic. 



Therefore, it is better to state the principle that most 

 obviously lies at the bottom of this perpetual readjust- 

 ment; and then, if that principle is correctly stated, it 

 will be the human guide in those conscious situations, 

 daily presenting themselves to the individual for solu- 

 tion, and adaptation, wherever and under whatever con- 

 ditions he may exist. A general statement of this prin- 

 ciple would be, in an all covering sense, that man's 

 natural ethics is his normal adjustment to environment, 



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