INTRODUCTION II 
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 WorLp ALL or Gop. 
