276 The Morality of Nature 



possible number; and the maintenance of hostility toward 

 the least possible number; so, that self-preservation shall be 

 accomplished, not only in a most perfect phase, but with 

 the least possible waste of effort. 



It appears also that all these phases of conduct develop 

 naturally under survival and selection without self -con- 

 sciousness, and when conscious mental power is attained 

 and is applied to a consideration of conduct, it produces a 

 new motive superimposed upon all the old ones without can- 

 celling them. In self-knowledge, and perception of cause 

 and effect, it becomes possible for, and therefore incumbent 

 on, man, to conduct himself with foresight of consequences; 

 instead of in a blind persistence of habit, which is corrected 

 only in survival after suffering. It appears this foresight 

 is the knowledge of good and evil; in it lies the perception 

 of morality. Morality requires the foregoing of any present 

 advantage to the individual which entails injury to the 

 greater or racial life, or a loss to the higher organization 

 of humanity; and the preferring of such activities as 

 promise ultimate greater benefit, rather than those of tran- 

 sient lesser gratification. The development of moral sense 

 results in the recognition of certain principles as guides to 

 right conduct, to be followed when the full consequences 

 are not to be foreseen. These principles are more enduring 

 than individual motives, yet, as rightness of conduct de- 

 pends upon conditions which change; it must change with 

 them; and therefore the precepts, and even the principles, 

 are subject to change accordingly. It appears therefore 

 that a fixed standard of conduct is not attainable except in 

 ultimate perfection; and that humanity, prompted by the 



