Conduct in Evolution 275 



of life to structures thus selected and preferred, is therefore 

 determined by the conduct achieved by the structures. 



It appears further that in this evolution of conduct there 

 are two dominating factors, characterizing types — coopera- 

 tive, which is to be viewed as the fundamental productive 

 factor; and aggressive, which is a provisional destructive 

 factor. These two meet, in the contest for comparative su- 

 periority. Conduct begins altruistically in the harmonious 

 early life of creatures in association, and selfishness arises 

 from rivalry in overcrowded or antagonistic environment, 

 and persists only under that condition. All conduct is a 

 direction, or control, of activities showing a mingling in 

 different degree of these two motives ; in which the tendency 

 is ever to return toward the primitive unity of purpose, be- 

 cause it is the most beneficial and successful of the two 

 systems. The preferment and re-establishment of this su- 

 perior system is progress in the evolution of conduct, in that 

 it facilitates the achievement of life maintenance. This 

 progress is restrained by the persistent hostility of rival 

 organisms, which is reaction. Reaction arises anew in 

 nature so that although in part overcome by goodwill, or 

 exterminated as irreconcilable; it is ever recurrent. But as 

 part of a hostile environment it is seen acting with nature's 

 circumstances, as an incentive to alliance and brotherhood 

 between those related in the higher system. 



The ultimate theoretical purpose of altruistic progress in 

 conduct, which is the completion of the unifying effort, and 

 the ending of all antagonisms in a perfected organization, 

 is at infinite distance; therefore the practical aim appears 

 as the inclusion in the alliance of relationship, the greatest 



