THE EVOLUTION OF MAN 



man. But these problems run parallel to the 

 question of descent which we have discussed in 

 this little volume, and it is not necessary to wait 

 for an explanation of those ulterior questions, 

 nor to substantiate the claims here set forth. 

 In regard to all these researches, we meet at 

 present a temporary limit to our perceptions and 

 understanding, but this does not prevent us from 

 enjoying the results of the studies which we have 

 carried to success within the present field of 

 acquired knowledge. 



The question of the descent of man belongs to 

 one of the fields which are thoroughly conquered 

 by science, and neither complaints nor doubts 

 can alter this fact. There is nothing more to do 

 but to meet these things bravely. Human beings 

 ever remain what they are. No one can rob 

 them of their nature. All our ideals likewise 

 remain undisturbed. Whoever feels within him- 

 self the force of a deep spiritual life, the living 

 breath of nature, will not be wrecked by the fact 

 that his ancestor did not only wear a rough and 

 hairy animal skin as a protection for his naked 

 shoulders, so and so many years ago, but also at 

 a certain period previous to that wore an animal 

 skin grown fast to his own body. Poetry did not 

 die when it became known that it is not the sun 



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