224 LIFE OF ELIE METCHNIKOFF 



is a study in wliich MetchnikofE's optimism assumes a 

 definite form, for lie speaks of the efficacy of certain 

 means of struggling witli our lack of harmony. 



The last chapter in the book, " A Conception of 

 Life and of Medical Science," introducing the word 

 Orthobiosis, strikes the optimistic chord, winged and 

 conclusive, which must result from victory over the 

 disharmonies of human nature. This is Metchnikofi's 

 ultimate formula, summing up the problems of life 

 and of morals : 



The ethical problem reduces itself to this : to allow the 

 majority of human beings to reach life's goal, that is, to accom- 

 pUsh the whole cycle of a rational existence to its natural end. 

 We are stiU very far from that. We can but sketch the rules 

 to foUow in order to attain this ideal. Its final reaUsation will 

 demand more scientific researches, which must be allowed 

 the widest and freest scope. It is to be foreseen that existence 

 will have to be modified in many ways. Orthobiosis demands . 

 an active, healthy, and sober life, devoid of luxury and excess. 



We must therefore modify present customs and eliminate 

 those extremes of wealth and poverty which now bring us so 

 many evils. As time goes on, when Science has caused present 

 evils to disappear, when men no longer tremble for the life 

 and welfare of their dear ones, when individual life foUows 

 a normal course — then Man can attain a higher level and 

 more easily devote himself to exalted goals. 



Then Art and pure Science will occupy the place wliich 

 is due to them and which they lack at the present moment in 

 consequence of our many cares. Let us hope that men will 

 understand their true interests and contribute to the progress 

 of orthobiosis. 



Many efiorts are necessary, much self-sacrifice, but they 

 wiU be attenuated by the consciousness of an activity 

 directed towards the real goal of human existence. 



