GENESIS OF MAN, MORALLY 



sequently overthrown ; while the principles of 

 action which really tend to heighten the life 

 of society are sustained by our sympathies ever 

 more and more forcibly, and at last become in- 

 vested with a sacredness which is denied to the 

 others. Hence arises the ethical distinction be- 

 tween mala prohibit a and mala in se. 



Finally it is not to be denied that, when the 

 intelligence is very high, there is likely to arise 

 a deliberate pursuit of moral excellence, attended 

 by a distinct knowledge of the elements in which 

 such excellence consists. Instead of being pri- 

 meval, as the cruder utilitarianism seems to have 

 imagined, such conscious devotion to ends con- 

 ducive to the happiness of society is the latest 

 and highest product of social evolution, and 

 becomes possible only when the moral sense 

 is extremely developed. At this stage, ethical 

 conceptions begin to be reflected back upon 

 the conduct of the individual where it concerns 

 solely or chiefly himself; and the self-regarding 

 virtues, as Mr. Darwin calls them, which are 

 quite unknown save in a high state of civiliza- 

 tion, come into existence. The injury of one's 

 self, by evil thoughts, intemperate behaviour, 

 or indulgence of appetite, comes to be regarded 

 as not only physically injurious, but morally 

 wrong; and there arises the opinion that it is 

 selfish and wicked for one to neglect one's own 

 health or culture. Here we approach the limits 



