As
familiarity with the laws of human physiology enables one to lead a more
hygienic and efficient life, and as the results of analyzing the evolution
of mentality make it possible to advance intellectually with greater
sureness, conserving our mental energies for effort along lines
established by hereditary endowment, so now we are justified in expecting
that a clear insight into the origin of our social situation and social
obligations will have a higher usefulness beyond the value of the mere
interest inhering in our new knowledge. Every one is necessarily concerned
with social questions; never before has there been so much world-wide
discussion of topics in this field. And while it is true that much good
may be accomplished in utter ignorance of the past history of human
institutions and of the underlying principles which control the varied
types of organic associations, surely enlightened efforts will be more
effective for good. Therefore every member of a community who is capable
of thinking straight rests under an obligation imposed by nature to learn
how he is related to his fellow-men; he must act in concert with them or
else he forfeits his rights as a social unit. And it is his clear duty to
search among the results of science for aid in ascertaining what he ought
to do, and what reasons are given by evolution for the nature of his vital
duties.
Pages:
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314