loss, an ideal of conduct which science tells us is
not merely an evolutionary accident, but an evolu-
tionary mistake; something which was, and is, con-
trary to the whole trend of the cosmic process
which brought us into being, and made us what we
are. It requires but a small knowledge of history
to show how easily mankind idealises nature; wit-
ness such phrases as "the return to nature," the
"state of nature," "natural rights," "natural law,"
and so forth. Appeals founded upon these no-
tions have proved powerful, even when they ran
counter to individualistic selfishness. When the
two are in alliance, how can they be resisted? Is
it possible for the ordinary man to maintain un-
dimmed his altruistic ideals if he thinks Nature
is against them?--unless, indeed, he also believes
that God is on their side?

Here are questions raised to which there is no
parallel in the case of æsthetics. Doubtless differ-
ences of æsthetic judgment abound; but they do
not produce difficulties quite matching those due
to the collision of incompatible ends; nor is their
solution so important. On this subject I must
say a few words before bringing this lecture to
a conclusion.

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