Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 2.djvu/473

 PURPOSE OF SOCIOLOGY 459

The last great epoch-making truth has come through biology. The law of animal and vegetal development, of the derivation of the higher types from the lower, of organic advance through the ages, has probably influenced the thought and action of the world in a higher degree than any other one cause. The prog- ress of this idea is also the best illustration of the way great truths work, of the manner in which thought waves propagate themselves through the social media and light up the darkest corners of the world.

Finally of all these truths there has now been a synthesis ; a wider law has been discovered that embraces them all, and the whole universe, from the nebulae and remotest stars to mankind and human society, is seen to be evolving and rolling on toward some unknown goal. The law of evolution has been disclosed. Where is the eddy so hidden and sequestered in social life that it has not felt some seismic jar from this vast psychic earthquake?

But progress in unfolding the truths of the universe has taken place in the order of their remoteness from human interests. The ones earliest brought to light were farthest from man and least useful to him. Astronomical truth was less valuable than physical, and physical than vital.

There are two great domains in which scarcely any wide dis- coveries have yet been made. These are the domains of mind and society. Psychic and social truth, when it shall begin to be revealed, will be far more practical than even biologic truth. The leading propositions in both these fields are today chiefly in the stage of theory. To exert an influence they must be estab- lished. Sociologists must agree upon those that are capable of demonstration and recognize them according to their value. In the present state of the science each one is so intent on his own discoveries, or supposed discoveries, that he can scarcely take time to acquaint himself with the views of others. But society has a right to demand that everything that is true shall be made public property. The teacher in particular is bound to weigh all results impartially and to give the student an opportunity to do the same. In this way what is not true will be eliminated