Conduct 9 



possess intelligence, even in its dawn, act in the face of cir- 

 cumstances, in purposeful effort to modify them, and so 

 avoid undesired results and gain those sought for. This 

 control of action is Conduct. A definition of it may be 

 further settled by examination of its fundamental motives. 



The conception of conduct as a definable factor in the 

 natural activities of life implies the necessity of some dis- 

 coverable method or system governed by natural law; and 

 the continued order and growth of that system, if such is 

 discovered, invites inquiry in regard to its power and its 

 origin and ends. Especially when men disavow control, as 

 now in evolution of freedom, and seek satisfaction in im- 

 pulsive liberty of action, it is needful to know what, if any- 

 thing, determines the value of conduct. 



As seen in its simplest forms the purpose of conduct 

 is to influence events by deeds of volition, so as to achieve 

 results which seem to the doer to be advantageous. Whether 

 good effects follow any particular deed will depend upon the 

 knowledge or wisdom of the doer, but it must be allowed 

 that the intent and purpose of any conduct or act, is to 

 attain something desired. 



Conduct ^hich achieves the^ things needed to maintain 

 life and happiness, is good conduct. It is good and right 

 because it is thus successful and not because it has been 

 directed by some person in authority who has declared it 

 good and right. If such an authority ceases, the conduct will 

 still be good if it succeeds in a world where there are many 

 difficulties and dangers. But success does not always attend 

 human efforts. They may be inadequate or defective and 

 so fail, or may be overpowered by accident. Such conduct 



