xvi SYSTEMATIC THOUGHT 377 



cult to see how the experiences operating within the 

 limitations of this first stage could teach anything with 

 regard to the effect of conduct on others. So far, it is 

 only when the consequences of action make themselves 

 apparent in the feelings of the agent that they influence 

 subsequent conduct, and under that limitation it is hard to 

 think that the effect of action upon others can be in any 

 way apprehended. It is in the stage of concrete experi- 

 ence, where we get on the one hand purposive action, and 

 on the other recognition of and definite feelings towards 

 individuals, that action first becomes interesting from the 

 point of view of the ethical inquirer. In this stage life is 

 still dominated by the struggle for existence, but the animal 

 builds up for himself a little ring fence within which the 

 impulses making for co-operation are allowed full play. 

 Family life has a definite development in this stage. 

 Mating is often relatively permanent conspicuously 

 among many species of birds and the care for the young 

 is carried to a high pitch. In many cases herds and flocks 

 are found which live in the main in a state of internal 

 peace, and in which mutual helpfulness and sometimes a 

 simple division of labour are found. In these little com- 

 munities we have already seen that many of the fundamental 

 social and self-regarding impulses appear. There is every 

 sign of sympathy and attachment, and equally of pride, 

 jealousy, anger, and hatred qualities also implying a 

 relation to others as individuals, though a relation of 

 antagonism. Upon the whole, the higher animals appear 

 to act on the Mosaic precept, " Thou shalt love thy friend 

 and hate thine enemy." The greater part of the world is 

 either an enemy or a prey, and accordingly the animal 

 must live principally by taking care of himself and being 

 ready to fight. Hence self assertion is the dominant note 

 of his character if he is strong, self protection if he is weak, 

 and he must have the qualities known as " self-regarding," 

 which belong thereto. But there is a little bit of the 

 world which is a friend, and in relation to this little bit he 

 develops a different side of his character, and becomes a 

 social animal. Thus in this stage the u social principle," 

 that is, the fundamental identity of the species appearing 



