CHAPTER XVII 



TODAY IS ALWAYS THE DAY OF EVOLUTION 



We have seen that even in the self-conscious intelHgence 

 which distinguishes man, the primitive conduct still persists 

 in part, and the higher conduct develops as an added faculty ; 

 and the higher law becomes more complex by including the 

 lower. Evolutionary progress of early phase is thus modi- 

 fied without being superseded, and life still evolves its new 

 phases strictly subject to present necessities. And, although 

 there seems to be a marvellous adaptation to future needs, 

 in the organization produced at any age or period; yet it 

 becomes clear that this is still accomplished by impulses 

 which exist independent of any pretense to foresight, or 

 even to preparation ; which are the human privileges of con- 

 sciousness. There is, in all natural and acceptable environ- 

 ment, a continuity which is more or less reliable. The 

 building upon a past which has endured for some time, is 

 done always in and for the present; and it fits the future 

 because the future is a continuation of that same sequence. 

 The present is always considered. If change of conditions 

 has appeared, that change is represented in the evolution as 

 soon as it is present, but never until then. But this is not 

 to be confused with that development which is a repetition 

 of cycles or periods. In nature the unreasoning creature 



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