12 The Morality of Nature 



creature having volition, in relation to other creatures and 

 to the universe. From this arises the axiom that the pur- 

 pose of conduct is to achieve advantages or benefits and the 

 postulate, good conduct is that which finally produces ad- 

 vantageous or beneficial results. 



And a general definition of bad conduct may be that by 

 which the object desired is achieved at a cost of injury in 

 excess of its value. 



And to this broad conception of the quality of the con- 

 duct as judged by its results, must be added, if the right and 

 wrong of voluntary action is to be considered, a regard for 

 the motives. Although the fundamental value and goodness 

 of conduct are decided by its actual success or failure, yet 

 in intelligent human beings who may be concerned in the 

 results there will be usually a consideration of the intention 

 at the bottom of the activity — human resentment of in- 

 jury will be less when it appears to be accidental and not 

 intended, and human resentment is one of the active forces 

 in the environment which every individual must regard. 

 Motive is one of the early stages of conduct, a preparation 

 for the activity which is to follow, and in an estimate of 

 rightness of action, motive or intention will be a factor to 

 modify the result. 



And following this question of motive will appear others. 

 Is conduct, as right or wrong, compensated by anything 

 transcending the mortal life? If so, is the result, or the 

 motive, the criterion of right or wrong? And in natural 

 sequence arises the query — What is the way and manner of 

 compensation for conduct of right or wrong character? 



