INTRODUCTION 1 1 



these inter-relations and conflict of interests find an underlying 

 harmony. It must not only interpret the past, but in the light of 

 this forecast the future, and if possible point the way of larger life 

 to every thinking individual and purposeful group, — the way of 

 more complete adaptation both passive and active. 



The purpose of this book is thus to show how the doctrine of 

 adaptation is coming more and more to be considered as the key 

 to social philosophy and its manifold problems, and how this 

 doctrine has evolved until at present it is being applied to the 

 process by which man and social groups, by taking thought, 

 transform their material and spiritual environment, and to the 

 process by which they become conformed into more or less agree- 

 ment with their ideals and with the World All or God. 



