368 ROSICRUCIANCOSMO-CONCEPTION
There is no doubt that the law for thebody is “The
Survival of the Fittest.” The law for the evolution of the
spirit demands “Sacrifice.” As long as man believes that
“Might is Right,” the Form prospers and waxes strong,
because all obstacles are swept out of the way regardless of
others. If the body were all, that manner of life would be the
only one possible for man. He would be altogether incapable
of any regard for others and would forcibly resist any
attempt to encroach upon what he considered his rights—the
right of the stronger, which is the sole standard of justice
under the law of the Survival of the Fittest. He would be
quite regardless of his fellow beings; absolutely insensible to
any forcefrom without that tended to make him act in any
manner not conducive to his own momentary pleasure.
It is manifest, then, that whatever urges man toward a
higher standard of conduct in his dealing with others must
comefrom within, and from a source which is not identical
with the body, otherwise it would not strive with the body
and often prevail against its most obvious interests.
Moreover, it must be a stronger force than that of the body,
or it could not succeed in overcoming its desires and
compelling it to make sacrifices for those who are physically
weaker.
That such a force exists, surely no one will deny. We
have come to that stage in our advancement where, instead
of seeing in physical weakness an opportunity for easy prey,
we recognize in the very frailty of another a valid claim
upon our protection. Selfishness is being slowly but surely
routed by Altruism.
Nature is sure to accomplish her purposes. Though slow,
her progress is orderly and certain. In the breast of every
man this force of Altruism works as a leaven. It is