Relation to Animate Nature '^i 



although his intelligence is very lowly. And in higher de- 

 gree, the bird in his turn considers his neighbors of all 

 species in arranging his way of living. He is as watchful 

 as the worm to evade enemies ; but having more intelligence, 

 he discriminates and does not flee from friends but will 

 learn to distinguish ofifences and favors. And in his gre- 

 garious life he continually yields way or gives up a share 

 of benefit when others of right demand it. And it is very 

 evident that the reason for all these things lies in a con- 

 sideration for the consequences of refusing, in other words 

 in a knowledge of harm likely to arise to him, not in a 

 knowledge of the morality, or even of the benefit, of his 

 conduct as conduct, but simply a regard for consequences 

 to him, of one act or another, which he remembers in the 

 past and considers for the present. 



All this simple life which is so very familiar that its facts 

 are within the comprehension of children, shows the basic 

 facts concerning conduct, and their simplicity affords the 

 clearest demonstration of that principle of responsibility 

 which makes the individual answerable, even in matters 

 which are suggested for him or imposed upon him by 

 others, and in which others are also interested. So far as 

 his action, or his proportionate share in any action, is con- 

 cerned, he stands alone. All other creatures separate them- 

 selves from him and group themselves together with, and as 

 part of, the general scheme of nature which is his world 

 environment ; his setting in the universe. A wrong deed by 

 him will bring its penalty, and upon him it will fall ; a false 

 step may take him to destruction. And his fellows around 

 him, even those acting harmoniously and in joint benefit 



