Page:Indian Journal of Economics Volume 2.djvu/361

 OBJEOT$ OF DEYELOPMENT 847 by actin in a manner opposite to the great majority of people, or through an unusual type of emotion--a variation from the norm which has no survival value. I maintain that the ultimate aim of sepal action cannot possibly be evolved from nian's inner con- sciousness, but must be determined as a question of fact as to what end the great majority of people do actually have in view in making proposals for social improvement. I think many of those who urge per- fection of the rce in mental, moral, and every sort of development, often unconsciously assume that such perfection will be accompanied by greatest happiness.. It is unquestionably tr.ue that greatest happiness does involve a stmdard of physical development continual development of faculties t far higher standards the attainment. of very much higher and 'health, and a all, the mental and moral than we can yet conceive; but the development is. not in this case twards a purposeless ideal of perfection, but guided at every stage by a most definite criterion--the ques- tion whether, on the balance, th3 happiness of the people will be 'increased or not, proper weight being given t future as against present enjoyment. are oers again for whom the ultimate end attainment of a higher spiritual life. one in elevated happiness might urge There is the But on analysis, what is spiritual life but and emotion are on that they conduce most to the of oneself ? The evolutionist which plain of thought wherein others and with some show of o reason that the aim of social endeavor should be make all activities, including Government measures, conform with the laws of survival and progress, as ascertained to have operated in bringing the western nations to their presen civilization. Thus would further evolution be stimulated and consciously aided.