THE SCIENCE OF HAPPINESS 



est yields tribute to the mighty instinct of race preserva- 

 tion. The egoists of yesterday have become altruists. 

 Their entire point of view has changed. Life has new 

 meanings for them. Henceforth there are pleasures in 

 store for them that transcend all pleasures of past 

 experience. Their tastes, predilections, desires, hitherto 

 centered on themselves, and all-dominating, are hence- 

 forth to give place in so far as the two are in conflict 

 to the one all-compassing desire for the welfare of their 

 offspring. 



Deep as the fountains of life itself is this parental 

 instinct. It is the one absolutely altruistic thing in 

 nature. It is the flower of the soul, beyond all com- 

 parison the most beautiful thing in the world. They 

 that have not breathed its perfume know not and can 

 never know the profoundest joys of the spirit. Their 

 cup of happiness can never reach the brim. Thank 

 fortune they are but a small minority. Their one 

 compensation is that for the most part they cannot even 

 glimpse into the promised land beyond the confines of 

 their egoistic circle. They know nothing of the new 

 horizons visible from the heights of parenthood. 



But if thus we signalize the joys of paternity, let us 

 not attempt to overlook its tremendous responsibilities. 

 Let us recognize that somewhat in proportion as these 

 responsibilities are wisely and well met will the new 

 generation continue to be a source of pleasure to the old. 

 For there are possibilities of bitter sorrow no less than 

 of transcendent joy in the relationship of parent to child. 

 Which shall predominate, is a question that may largely 



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