402 The Morality of Nature 



The rise of life in evolution can be marked as a series 

 of progressive steps in organization. 



Association of protoplasmic units causing organization 

 of the cell with the heredity principle. Then great evolu- 

 tion of unicellular life. 



New association of cells, some in vegetative altruistic 

 alliance; and others in aggressive and destructive compe- 

 tition. Then great evolution of associations. 



New organizations of cells in somatic alliances, arising 

 from the altruistic, with specialized functions and with in- 

 creased complexity. Then great evolution of multicellular 

 Hfe. 



New organization of these new somatic creatures in 

 co-operation, and competition of those so organized, with 

 those unorganized, and survival of those in co-operative 

 alliance, establishing species. Then great evolution of 

 species. 



Selection and preferment by survival, of the higher species, 

 in organizations of specialized individuals in mutual support, 

 and especial preferment of those guided by an instinct of 

 altruism in greater or less degree. Then great evolution of 

 instinctive animal altruism, chiefly parental and tribal. 



And lastly: The achievement of consciousness of self, 

 and of relations with others, by the higher types of man- 

 kind; and the recognition of morality as a guide; and of 

 altruism as a principle of morality enabling liberty of con- 

 science and freedom of conduct. Then great evolution of 

 human organization in political and social units in new and 

 higher spheres of conduct. 



The conscious altruism of the last phase; the highest 



