Destructive Rivalry i75 



circumstances. And note the dependence of these predatory 

 creatures. They cannot exist alone, without the defense- 

 less populations to whom they are parasitic; while these 

 alone, without the fighters, are not only potential for inde- 

 pendence, but are seen to be greatly benefitted by relief from 

 the incubus when such relief occurs. 



Therefore we see that the natural sustaining impulse to 

 a groNvth of altruism or the consideration of others, consists 

 in the continued surviving success of association. If this 

 association develops an impure form and is involuntary or 

 forced, its success, although checked, still means increase of 

 efficiency; and greater impulsion toward mutual conduct is 

 probable; yet the long persistence of a system of organiza- 

 tion by force is visibly possible. It may be demanded by 

 its prevalence in surrounding circumstances, in which case 

 it will not probably come into close comparison with the 

 purer altruistic fife of other distant tribes, but will work its 

 own destiny in due course, or yield perhaps to others of its 

 own type, or to nature; or evolve itself into higher form, 

 as we have seen possible. But there is clearly shown the 

 expectation that sooner or later when the time is ripe it 

 must alter, or yield place to those who have changed, and 

 have elsewhere cultivated higher powers. 



In a world of limited extent with increasing population 

 destructive competition is a temporary or transitional 

 method of advancement which, when a certain status is 

 reached can perhaps retain it, but cannot provide for growth 

 — while the other system of co-operation provides for con- 

 tinued adaptation with increase of numbers, in compara- 

 tively indefinite progress. 



