CHAPTER VIII 



MORAL MOTIVE 



We have earlier noted a probability that the first applica- 

 tion of the striving human intellect to a knowledge of good 

 and evil may have been in a recognition of the value of 

 altruism — already existent as a surviving instinct — and an 

 adoption of it as a rule of conduct, and as the foundation of 

 a consequent code of morals. That is to say the beginning of 

 that progress which raised humanity out of mere animalism 

 was a perception of a good principle in self-sacrifice, and an 

 adoption of it as a virtue apart from any visible gain and 

 above any animal instinct, and even above the temporary 

 arguments of self-interest. 



This beginning of morality would establish the main issue 

 as a contest between the forces of advancement and those 

 of retrogression. It points to the suppression of the activity 

 of aggression, and the development of the notion of 

 harmony, and the marshalling of the power of an unseen 

 right, growing in effective struggle against visible, forceful, 

 present error. It is the foreknowledge of good in the re- 

 moter consequences, even as far removed as those called 

 spiritual; and the knowledge of evil in those nearer grati- 

 fications which would sacrifice the future. Such an idealiza- 

 tion may have made clear to the faith of moral man, the 



i88 



